Apparatus and methods for personalized content synchronization and delivery in a content distribution network

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for providing an enriched content services over a network. In one embodiment, the exemplary apparatus and methods leverage extant high-bandwidth capabilities of a managed network for delivering content downstream, as well as standards-compliant ultra-low latency and high data rate services (e.g., 5G NR services) for uploading content. In one embodiment, the exemplary apparatus and methods are implemented to synchronize content delivered of extant HFC architectures and DOCSIS protocols with user-generated or other content uploaded to a network entity (e.g., server apparatus) via an IP connection established utilized 5G NR services. Additional features include, among other, enhancements which enable user participation individually, or with other subscribers, in live or recorded content-based activities (such as e.g., auctioning, broadcasting, interactive commentary/gaming, exercising, etc.).

PRIORITY

This application is a divisional of and claims the benefit of priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/393,745 entitled “APPARATUS ANDMETHODS FOR PERSONALIZED CONTENT SYNCHRONIZATION AND DELIVERY IN ACONTENT DISTRIBUTION NETWORK” and filed Apr. 24, 2019, issuing as U.S.Pat. No. 10,887,647, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND 1. Technological Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of contentdelivery, and specifically in one exemplary aspect to an architecturewhich integrates or unifies alternately sourced content (e.g., uploadeduser-generated content) with network programming (e.g., televisionshows, live-events, etc.) via synchronization of at least two differentcontent streams.

2. Description of Related Technology

The proliferation of the Internet and increased connection technologiessuch as broadband have contributed to the development of new mediasources for information and entertainment. Accordingly, new andinteresting opportunities for providing users with advanced features,applications and services have arose, such as to enable users to create,tailor, or otherwise interact with, video clips/scenes to theirinterests and liking.

For example, uploaded content is often broadly shared with other usersvia social media such as Youtube or the like. Real-time commentator typeof broadcasting is also very popular for gamers (e.g., Twitch) to allowaudiences to participate in and comment on the actions being played bygainers. Other programs and services, such as Snapchat and Instagram,provide tools for altering uploaded content (e.g. changing clipduration, zooming, adding audio or text commentary, cropping, filtereffects, etc.) before broadcasting to others.

Managed Content Distribution Networks

Network operators deliver data services (e.g., broadband) and videoproducts, including the above-described services, to customers using avariety of different devices, thereby enabling their users orsubscribers to access data/content in a number of different contexts,both fixed (e.g., at their residence) and mobile (such as whiletraveling or away from home). FIG. 1 is a functional block diagramsillustrating a typical prior art managed (e.g., cable) content deliverynetwork architecture used to provide such data services to its users andsubscribers.

Data/content delivery may be specific to the network operator, such aswhere video content is ingested by the network operator or its proxy,and delivered to the network users or subscribers as a product orservice of the network operator. For instance, a cable multiple systemsoperator (MSO) may ingest content from multiple different sources (e.g.,national networks, content aggregators, etc.), process the ingestedcontent, and deliver it to the MSO subscribers via e.g., a hybrid fibercoax (HFC) cable/fiber network, such as to the subscriber's set-top boxor DOCSIS cable modem. Such ingested content is transcoded to thenecessary format as required (e.g., MPEG-2 or MPEG-4/AVC), framed andplaced in the appropriate media container format (“packaged”), andtransmitted via e.g., statistical multiplex into a multi-programtransport stream (MPTS) on 6 MHz radio frequency (RF) channels forreceipt by the subscribers RF tuner, demultiplexed and decoded, andrendered on the user's rendering device (e.g., digital TV) according tothe prescribed coding format.

Within the cable plant, VOD and so-called switched digital video (SDV)may also be used to provide content, and utilize a single-programtransport stream (SPTS) delivery modality. In U.S. cable systems forexample, downstream RF channels used for transmission of televisionprograms are 6 MHz wide, and occupy a 6 MHz spectral slot between 54 MHzand 860 MHz. Deployments of VOD services have to share this spectrumwith already established analog and digital cable television servicessuch as those described above. Within a given cable plant, all homesthat are electrically connected to the same cable feed running through aneighborhood will receive the same downstream signal. For the purpose ofmanaging e.g., VOD services, these homes are grouped into logical groupstypically called Service Groups. Homes belonging to the same ServiceGroup receive their VOD service on the same set of RF channels.

VOD service is typically offered over a given number (e.g., 4) of RFchannels from the available spectrum in cable. Thus, a VOD Service Groupconsists of homes receiving VOD signals over the same 4 RF channels.

In most cable networks, programs are transmitted using MPEG (e.g.,MPEG-2) audio/video compression. Since cable signals are transmittedusing Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) scheme, available payloadbitrate for typical modulation rates (QAM-256) used on HFC systems isroughly 38 Mbps. For example, in many VOD deployments, a typical rate of3.75 Mbps is used to send one video program at resolution and qualityequivalent to NTSC broadcast signals. In digital television terminology,this is called Standard Definition (SD) television resolution.Therefore, use of MPEG-2 and QAM modulation enables carriage of 10 SDsessions on one RF channel (10×3.75=37.5 Mbps <38 Mbps). Since a typicalService Group consists of 4 RF channels, 40 simultaneous SD VOD sessionscan be accommodated within a Service Group.

Entertainment-quality transmission of HD (High Definition) signalsrequires about four times as much bandwidth as SD. For an exemplaryMPEG-2 Main Profile—High Level (MP@HL) video compression, each HDprogram requires around 15 Mbps bitrate.

Content Fusion

In order to overlay the aforementioned user-generated content (e.g.,text, audio and video) with network programming (e.g., television shows,live-events, etc.) carried over e.g., the MSO network of FIG. 1 , theoverlaid content and network programming content generally have to becombined externally (at a centralized network entity or via third partyInternet-based servers), or provided separately to be combined at thecable modem (which may require explicit time synchronization).Accordingly, the user-generated content must be uploaded to thecentralized network entity or via third party Internet based servers,using upstream bandwidth on the managed network or those networksserving such third party Internet based servers.

However, the download capability of the extant managed networkinfrastructure (e.g., FIG. 1 ) has a much larger bandwidth than upstreamcapability. For example, a typical upload (UL) speed is about 5 Mbpswhile download (DL) can be up to 100 Mbps (see, e.g.,http://www.dslreports.com/faq/15643). For the UL latency, a typicalvalue can be in the range of 20-50 ms (see e.g., “Latency Reduction forMobile Backhaul by Pipelining LTE and DOCSIS,” 2017 IEEE GlobalCommunications Conference, 4-8 Dec. 2017, which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety). Therefore, there will be some discrepancybetween the time references associated with when the user viewed givencontent sent via a download, and the content the user sends via uploadto be integrated with the content sent download. This is especially truewhere there is a wide range or variability in performance across one orboth of the delivery channels (e.g., highly variable latency and/orbandwidth).

Accordingly, improved apparatus and methods are needed to, inter alfa,synchronize the two or more different media streams (e.g., one streamcarrying network programming and another carrying the user content) suchthat the network programming and user content are overlaid or combinedwith the correct time sequence in a composite content stream. Suchmethods and apparatus would advantageously leverage stable mechanismsfor the delivery (e.g., upload) so as to enable predictable and stabletransport for, inter alfa, synchronization of the constituent datastreams.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure addresses the foregoing needs by providing, interalfa, methods and apparatus for generation of synchronized content aredisclosed.

In a first aspect, a computerized network server apparatus configured toprovide an enhanced content stream to one or more users of a contentdelivery network is disclosed. In one embodiment, the computerizednetwork server apparatus includes: a storage entity; at least onenetwork interface; and a digital processor apparatus in datacommunication with the storage entity and the at least one networkinterface, the digital processor apparatus configured to run at leastone computer program thereon.

In one variant, the computer program includes a plurality ofinstructions which are configured to, when executed: receive firstdigital content via a first transport mechanism; receive second digitalcontent via a second transport mechanism; receive control signaling;generate the enhanced content stream, the enhanced content streamcomprising the first and second digital content, the first and seconddigital content of the enhanced content stream being synchronized basedon the control signaling; and provide the enhanced content stream to theone or more users of the content delivery network.

In one implementation, the plurality of instructions are furtherconfigured to, when executed: transmit one or more audio signals to afirst computerized client device, the one or more audio signalscorresponding to one or more respective time references, the firstcomputerized client device configured to transmit the one or more audiosignals to a second computerized client device; and wherein the receiptof the control signaling comprising receipt of the one or more audiosignals from the second computerized client device.

In another implementation, the plurality of instructions are furtherconfigured to, when executed: estimate a delay parameter based on thecontrol signaling; and wherein the generation of the enhanced contentstream includes an adjustment, based on the delay parameter, of a timeof playback associated with the first or second digital content, theadjustment causing the synchronization of the first and second digitalcontent.

In yet another implementation, the plurality of instructions are furtherconfigured to, when executed: generate a composite content stream, thecomposite content stream comprising both the first and second digitalcontent, wherein respective time references associated with the firstand second digital content of the composite content stream are notsynchronized; and transmit the composite content stream to a firstcomputerized client device. The receipt of the control signaling (i) isbased on a display of the composite content stream by the firstcomputerized client device to a user of a second computerized clientdevice, and (ii) comprising receipt of the control signaling from thesecond computerized client device; the control signaling includes datarepresentative of a delay parameter; the generation of the enhancedcontent stream includes an adjustment, based on the delay parameter, ofa time of playback associated with the first or second digital content,the adjustment causing the synchronization of the first and seconddigital content.

In another aspect, a method of providing enhanced digitally renderedcontent to one or more users of a content distribution network isdisclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving firstdigital content via a first transport, the first transport comprising afixed transport mechanism of the content distribution network; receivingsecond digital content via a second transport, the second transportbeing an ad hoc transport mechanism operating independent of the contentdistribution network and having a prescribed minimum performancecharacteristic; generating an enhanced digitally rendered contentstream, the enhanced digitally rendered content stream comprising atleast a portion of the first digital content and at least a portion ofthe second digital content, the at least portions of the first digitalcontent and the second digital content having a temporal relationshipbased at least in part on the prescribed minimum performancecharacteristic; and distributing the enhanced digitally rendered contentstream to the one or more users of the content distribution network viathe content distribution network.

In one variant, the generating an enhanced digitally rendered contentstream includes generating the enhanced digital content stream using adigital encoder apparatus of the content distribution network.

In one implementation, the first transport includes a downstream radiofrequency (RF) channel of a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) contentdistribution network, and the second transport includes a wireless 5G NR(New Radio) bearer compliant with at least 3GPP Release 15, the secondtransport established ad hoc between a user device and the digitalencoder apparatus of the content distribution network, the user deviceconfigured to generate the second digital content.

In another implementation, the method further includes: receivingcontrol signaling data at the digital encoder apparatus of the contentdistribution network; and utilizing the received control signaling datato synchronize the at least portions of the first digital content andthe second digital content.

In another implementation, the utilizing the received control signalingdata to synchronize comprising using the received control signaling datato determine a latency associated with at least (i) the downstream radiofrequency (RF) channel, and (ii) the user device.

In another variant of the method, the generating an enhanced digitallyrendered content stream is based at least in part on the prescribedminimum performance characteristic comprising a 3GPP 5G NR (New Radio)maximum latency value.

In yet another variant, the generating an enhanced digitally renderedcontent stream comprising at least a portion of the first digitalcontent and at least a portion of the second digital content, the atleast portions of the first digital content and the second digitalcontent having a temporal relationship based at least in part on theprescribed minimum performance characteristic, includes generating acomposite digitally rendered content stream comprising the at leastsecond digital content overlaid onto the first digital content.

In still a further variant, the generating an enhanced digitallyrendered content stream comprising at least a portion of the firstdigital content and at least a portion of the second digital content,the at least portions of the first digital content and the seconddigital content having a temporal relationship based at least in part onthe prescribed minimum performance characteristic, includes generating acomposite digitally rendered content stream comprising at least someframes of the at least second digital content interleaved with frames ofthe first digital content.

In another aspect, a method of synchronizing first digitally renderedcontent and second digitally rendered content so as to enable deliveryof a synchronized composite digital content stream to one or more usersof a content distribution network is disclosed. In one embodiment, themethod includes: causing transmission of test data to a firstcomputerized user device served by the content distribution network, thetest data configured to generate a test pattern, the test patternconfigured to be detectable by a second computerized user device servedby at least a wireless bearer having prescribed performancecharacteristics; receiving data from the second computerized user devicerelating to reception of the generation of the test pattern by the firstcomputerized user device; and utilizing at least the data received fromthe second computerized user device to determine a synchronizationcorrection or offset to be applied to at least one of the firstdigitally rendered content and the second digitally rendered content toenable generation of the synchronized composite digital content stream.

In one variant, the method further includes transmitting thesynchronized composite digital content stream to the first computerizeduser device served via the content distribution network concurrent withreceiving the second digitally rendered content from the secondcomputerized user device.

In another variant, the causing transmission of test data to a firstcomputerized user device served by the content distribution network, thetest data configured to generate a test pattern, the test patternconfigured to be detectable by a second computerized user device,includes transmitting audio test data have a prescribed total pattern orsequence, the prescribed tonal pattern or sequence configured tofacilitate delay estimation by a delay estimation processing process.The utilizing at least the data received from the second computerizeduser device to determine a synchronization correction or offset mayinclude for example using data related to the prescribed tonal patternor sequence received by the second computerized user device as an inputto a delay estimation processing process operative to run on the secondcomputerized user device.

In one implementation, the at least the receiving and utilizing areperformed by a network encoding server process, and the utilizing atleast the data received from the second computerized user device todetermine a synchronization correction or offset further includestransmitting data related to the prescribed tonal pattern or sequencereceived by the second computerized user device to a delay estimationprocessing process operative to run on the network encoding serverprocess.

The method may further include receiving adjustment data transmittedfrom the second computerized user device, the adjustment data based atleast on a user input via a user interface of the second computerizeduser device, the user input relating to at least one of: (i) anadvancement of timing of the second digitally rendered content relativeto the first digitally rendered content; and/or (ii) a retarding oftiming of the second digitally rendered content relative to the firstdigitally rendered content; and utilizing the received adjustment dataas part of the determination of the synchronization.

In another aspect, a mobile computerized device capable of contributingto and controlling content enhancement or enrichment is disclosed anddescribed. In one embodiment, the device comprises a personal or laptopcomputer. In another embodiment, the device comprises a mobile device(e.g., tablet or smartphone). In another embodiment, the devicecomprises a computerized “smart” television or rendering device.

In another aspect, an integrated circuit (IC) device implementing one ormore of the foregoing aspects is disclosed and described. In oneembodiment, the IC device is embodied as a SoC (system on Chip) device.In another embodiment, an ASIC (application specific IC) is used as thebasis of the device. In yet another embodiment, a chip set (i.e.,multiple ICs used in coordinated fashion) is disclosed. In yet anotherembodiment, the device comprises a multi-logic block FPGA device.

In another aspect, a computer readable storage apparatus implementingone or more of the foregoing aspects is disclosed and described. In oneembodiment, the computer readable apparatus comprises a program memory,or an EEPROM. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a solidstate drive (SSD) or other mass storage device. In another embodiment,the apparatus comprises a USB or other “flash drive” or other suchportable removable storage device. In yet another embodiment, theapparatus comprises a “cloud” (network) based storage device which isremote from yet accessible via a computerized user or client electronicdevice. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a “fog”(network) based storage device which is distributed across multiplenodes of varying proximity and accessible via a computerized user orclient electronic device.

In yet another aspect, a software architecture is disclosed. In oneembodiment, the architecture includes an application layer processconfigured to run on a 5G capable CPE, and which is accessible via e.g.,MSO or external application overlay servers, and mobile devices of theuser.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitorycomputer-readable apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment thereof, thenon-transitory computer-readable apparatus includes a storage medium,the storage medium including a plurality of computer-executableinstructions configured to, when executed by a processor apparatus,cause a computerized network apparatus to at least: receive a first typeof content via a first data communications infrastructure; receive asecond type of content via at least a wireless data communicationsinfrastructure; and based at least on second control signal datareceived via the wireless data communications infrastructure at thecomputerized network apparatus, generate synchronized combined contentusing at least the received first and second types of content.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of generatingsynchronized digital content data for use within a digital contentdistribution network is disclosed. In one embodiment, the methodincludes: obtaining first digital content data via a first mode ofdigital data communication; obtaining second digital content data via asecond mode of digital data communication; and generating synchronizeddigital content data based at least in part on (i) the first digitalcontent data and (ii) the second digital content data.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a computerized networkapparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the computerized networkapparatus includes: a first data interface configured to perform datacommunication with a first client device; a second data interfaceconfigured to perform data communication with a second client device; anon-transitory computer-readable apparatus including a storage medium,the storage medium including a plurality of instructions configured to,when executed by a processor apparatus, cause the computerized networkapparatus to at least: receive first digital content data from thedigital content distribution network via the first data interface;receive second digital content data from the second client device viathe second data interface, the second digital content data includinguser-generated digital content data; and generate a composite digitalcontent data stream based at least on synchronization of the firstdigital content data and the user-generated digital content data.

These and other aspects shall become apparent when considered in lightof the disclosure provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a typical prior artmanaged (e.g., cable) content delivery network architecture.

FIG. 2 a is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary hybridfiber network configuration useful with various aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 b is a functional block diagram of an exemplary packetizedcontent network architecture useful in conjunction with variousprinciples described herein.

FIG. 2 c is a functional block diagram of a gNB architecture includingCU and multiple DUs.

FIG. 3 is a simplified functional block diagram of a typical prior artcontent encoding and distribution architecture.

FIG. 3A is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of anenriched content stream distribution architecture, according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a logical flow diagram illustrating one exemplary embodimentof a method for synchronizing two different content streams within e.g.,the architectures 300, 350 of FIGS. 3 and 3A, respectively, according tothe present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a logical flow diagram illustrating one exemplary embodimentof a method for synchronizing two different content streams via a manualadjustment process, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a logical flow diagram illustrating one exemplary embodimentof a method for synchronizing two different content streams viatime-synchronizing based automation, according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating one embodiment of anoverlay encoding server apparatus for use in delivering enriched contentto users according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating one embodiment of aCPE for use in delivering content over HFC to users according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplaryembodiment of a 5G-enabled client device according to the presentdisclosure.

All figures © Copyright 2017-2019 Charter Communications Operating, LLC.All rights reserved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer tolike parts throughout.

As used herein, the term “application” (or “app”) refers generally andwithout limitation to a unit of executable software that implements acertain functionality or theme. The themes of applications vary broadlyacross any number of disciplines and functions (such as on-demandcontent management, e-commerce transactions, brokerage transactions,home entertainment, calculator etc.), and one application may have morethan one theme. The unit of executable software generally runs in apredetermined environment; for example, the unit could include adownloadable Java Xlet™ that runs within the JavaTV™ environment.

As used herein, the term “central unit” or “CU” refers withoutlimitation to a centralized logical node within a wireless networkinfrastructure. For example, a CU might be embodied as a 5G/NR gNBCentral Unit (gNB-CU), which is a logical node hosting RRC, SDAP andPDCP protocols of the gNB or RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-gNB thatcontrols the operation of one or more gNB-DUs, and which terminates theF1 interface connected with one or more DUs (e.g., gNB-DUs) definedbelow.

As used herein, the terms “client device” or “user device” or “UE”include, but are not limited to, set-top boxes (e.g., DSTBs), gateways,modems, personal computers (PCs), and minicomputers, whether desktop,laptop, or otherwise, and mobile devices such as handheld computers,PDAs, personal media devices (PMDs), tablets, “phablets”, smartphones,and vehicle telematics or infotainment systems or portions thereof.

As used herein, the term “computer program” or “software” is meant toinclude any sequence or human or machine cognizable steps which performa function. Such program may be rendered in virtually any programminglanguage or environment including, for example, C/C++, Fortran, COBOL,PASCAL, assembly language, markup languages (e.g., HTML, SGML, XML,VoXML), and the like, as well as object-oriented environments such asthe Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), Java™ (includingJ2ME, Java Beans, etc.) and the like.

As used herein, the term “distributed unit” or “DU” refers withoutlimitation to a distributed logical node within a wireless networkinfrastructure. For example, a DU might be embodied as a 5G/NR gNBDistributed Unit (gNB-DU), which is a logical node hosting RLC, MAC andPHY layers of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partly controlledby gNB-CU (referenced above). One gNB-DU supports one or multiple cells,yet a given cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminatesthe F1 interface connected with the gNB-CU.

As used herein, the term “DOCSIS” refers to any of the existing orplanned variants of the Data Over Cable Services InterfaceSpecification, including for example DOCSIS versions 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.0and 3.1.

As used herein, the term “headend” or “backend” refers generally to anetworked system controlled by an operator (e.g., an MSO) thatdistributes programming to MSO clientele using client devices, orprovides other services such as high-speed data delivery and backhaul.

As used herein, the terms “Internet” and “internet” are usedinterchangeably to refer to inter-networks including, withoutlimitation, the Internet. Other common examples include but are notlimited to: a network of external servers, “cloud” entities (such asmemory or storage not local to a device, storage generally accessible atany time via a network connection, and the like), service nodes, accesspoints, controller devices, client devices, etc.

As used herein, the term “LTE” refers to, without limitation and asapplicable, any of the variants or Releases of the Long-Term Evolutionwireless communication standard, including LTE-U (Long Term Evolution inunlicensed spectrum), LTE-LAA (Long Term Evolution, Licensed AssistedAccess), LTE-A (LTE Advanced), 4G LTE, WiMAX, VoLTE (Voice over LTE),and other wireless data standards.

As used herein, the term “memory” includes any type of integratedcircuit or other storage device adapted for storing digital dataincluding, without limitation, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, DRAM, SDRAM, DDR/2SDRAM, EDO/FPMS, RLDRAM, SRAM, “flash” memory (e.g., NAND/NOR), 3Dmemory, and PSRAM.

As used herein, the terms “microprocessor” and “processor” or “digitalprocessor” are meant generally to include all types of digitalprocessing devices including, without limitation, digital signalprocessors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computers (RISC),general-purpose (CISC) processors, microprocessors, gate arrays (e.g.,FPGAs), PLDs, reconfigurable computer fabrics (RCFs), array processors,secure microprocessors, and application-specific integrated circuits(ASICs). Such digital processors may be contained on a single unitary ICdie, or distributed across multiple components.

As used herein, the terms “MSO” or “multiple systems operator” refer toa cable, satellite, or terrestrial network provider havinginfrastructure required to deliver services including programming anddata over those mediums.

As used herein, the terms “MNO” or “mobile network operator” refer to acellular, satellite phone, WMAN (e.g., 802.16), or other network serviceprovider having infrastructure required to deliver services includingwithout limitation voice and data over those mediums. The term “MNO” asused herein is further intended to include MVNOs, MNVAs, and MVNEs.

As used herein, the terms “network” and “bearer network” refer generallyto any type of telecommunications or data network including, withoutlimitation, hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks, satellite networks, telconetworks, and data networks (including MANs, WANs, LANs, WLANs,internets, and intranets). Such networks or portions thereof may utilizeany one or more different topologies (e.g., ring, bus, star, loop,etc.), transmission media (e.g., wired/RF cable, RF wireless, millimeterwave, optical, etc.) and/or communications technologies or networkingprotocols (e.g., SONET, DOCSIS, IEEE Std. 802.3, ATM, X.25, Frame Relay,3GPP, 3GPP2, LTE/LTE-A/LTE-U/LTE-LAA, 5GNR, WAP, SIP, UDP, FTP,RTP/RTCP, H.323, etc.).

As used herein the terms “5G” and “New Radio (NR)” refer withoutlimitation to apparatus, methods or systems compliant with 3GPP Release15, and any modifications, subsequent Releases, or amendments orsupplements thereto which are directed to New Radio technology, whetherlicensed or unlicensed.

As used herein, the term “QAM” refers to modulation schemes used forsending signals over e.g., cable or other networks. Such modulationscheme might use any constellation level (e.g. QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM,256-QAM, etc.) depending on details of a network. A QAM may also referto a physical channel modulated according to the schemes.

As used herein, the term “server” refers to any computerized component,system or entity regardless of form which is adapted to provide data,files, applications, content, or other services to one or more otherdevices or entities on a computer network.

As used herein, the term “storage” refers to without limitation computerhard drives, DVR device, memory, RAID devices or arrays, optical media(e.g., CD-ROMs, Laserdiscs, Blu-Ray, etc.), or any other devices ormedia capable of storing content or other information.

As used herein, “transmit” and “transmission” of data include withoutlimitation transmitting packetized digital data, whether in wired orwireless fashion. Wireless transmission of data may be accomplished viavarious means, including via interfaces using IEEE Std. 802.11 (e.g.,WLAN Wi-Fi) or 3GPP-based (e.g., 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-U, LTE-LAA, LTE-A,4G/4.5G/5G) protocols. Such transmission allows a client device (e.g.,smartphone, laptop, tablets) to download or stream the data from thetransmitting entity.

As used herein, the term “Wi-Fi” refers to, without limitation and asapplicable, any of the variants of IEEE Std. 802.11 or related standardsincluding 802.11 a/b/g/n/s/v/ac/ax, 802.11-2012/2013 or 802.11-2016, aswell as Wi-Fi Direct (including inter alfa, the “Wi-Fi Peer-to-Peer(P2P) Specification”, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

As used herein, the term “xNB” refers to any 3GPP-compliant nodeincluding without limitation eNBs (eUTRAN) and gNBs (5G NR).

Overview

In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure provides improvedarchitectures, methods and apparatus for providing an enriched videostream (EVS) which, inter alfa, leverages existing managed network(e.g., cable network) infrastructure, as well as highly stable andlow-latency infrastructure (e.g., 3GPP 5G/NG-RAN) for uploadcontent/video feeds. The disclosed architectures, methods and apparatusenable media synchronization between two or more different media streams(e.g., network programming, and personal/user content) such that thenetwork programming and personal/user content are combined (overlaid orsuper-imposed in one variant) with the correct time sequence within theEVS.

Additionally, the disclosed architectures, methods and apparatusadvantageously overcome uplink bandwidth and latency issues existingwith respect to many current managed network configurations (e.g., thoseassociated with DOCSIS modems in an MSO cable network).

In one embodiment, a Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) plant infrastructure andextant protocols (e.g., DOCSIS) are used as bases for downlink provisionof network programming; in conjunction, ultra-low latency and high datarate services (e.g., 5G NR services) are used for uplink, includingprovision of user content (e.g., user-generated content generated fromtheir mobile device, CPE at their premises, etc.).

Additionally, an overlay encoding server (OES) apparatus is providedwhich, in various embodiments, uses control signaling to eithertemporally advance or delay the uploaded content with respect to thenetwork programming to which it is being associated/fused in order tocreate the EVS with proper time framing for both/all content streams. Inone variant, the control signaling is created via a manual adjustmentprocess. In an alternative variant, the control signaling is created viaa time-synchronization based automation process.

Specifically, in one implementation, the manual adjustment methodincludes provision from the OES of a composite content stream (i.e., astream having both the network programming and user content overlaidwith unsynchronized time references) to consumer premises equipment(e.g., a smart TV or set-top box (STB)), which then displays thecomposite content stream to a user.

With respect to the time-synchronization based automation, in oneimplementation, before the OES combines the uploaded content from clientdevice (e.g., a smartphone) with the network programming, the OES firstperforms a delay estimation by sending an audio/test tone to the CPE.The client device (e.g., a smartphone) detects the audio/test tone fromthe CPE and sends it, via the control signaling, to the OES. Thiscreates a feedback loop for the OES to estimate the delay factor betweenthe time that the user sees the video on the CPE and the uploadedcontent reaches the OES.

Advantageously, in exemplary embodiments, the foregoing architecture,apparatus and methods allow a user to easily enhance their video forconsumption by one or more other viewers, thereby increasing video usageand demand for network services.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the presentdisclosure are now described in detail. While these exemplaryembodiments are described in the context of a managed network (e.g.,hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable) architecture having a service provider(e.g., multiple systems operator (MSO)), digital networking capability,IP delivery capability, a plurality of client devices, and wirelessaccess nodes (e.g., gNBs) associated there with or supported at least inpart thereby, the general principles and advantages of the disclosuremay be extended to other types of networks and architectures that areconfigured to deliver digital data (e.g., text, images, games, softwareapplications, video and/or audio), whether managed or unmanaged. Suchother networks or architectures may be broadband, narrowband, wired orwireless, or otherwise, the following therefore being merely exemplaryin nature.

It will also be appreciated that while described generally in thecontext of a network providing service to a customer or consumer or enduser or subscriber (e.g., residential, within a prescribed service area,venue, or other type of premises) end user domain, the presentdisclosure may be readily adapted to other types of environmentsincluding, e.g., commercial/enterprise (e.g., businesses) andgovernment/military applications. Myriad other applications arepossible.

Also, while certain aspects are described primarily in the context ofthe well-known Control Protocol (described in, inter alia, RFC 3611 and3550), it will be appreciated that the present disclosure may utilizeother types of protocols (and in fact bearer networks to include otherinternets and intranets) to implement the described functionality.

Finally, while described primarily in terms of 3GPP 5G NR (New Radio)technology for, inter alia, provision of the stable, low-latencybackhauls or uplinks, the various aspects of the present disclosure arein no way so limited, and in fact other types of bearers or technologieswhich provide suitably stable and low-latency capability may besubstituted, whether wireless or wireline.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will immediatelybe recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the art with reference tothe attached drawings and detailed description of exemplary embodimentsas given below.

Service Provider Network—

FIG. 2 a illustrates a typical service provider network configurationuseful with the content fusion/combination functionality and supporting5G-based wireless network(s) described herein.

The exemplary service provider network 200 is used in one embodiment ofthe disclosure to provide backbone and Internet access from the serviceprovider's wireless access nodes (e.g., xNBs, Wi-Fi APs, or basestations 214 operated or maintained by the service provider or itscustomers/subscribers, including cases where the subscriber leases thedevice for use), one or more stand-alone or embedded cable modems (CMs)212, 213 in data communication therewith, or even third party accesspoints accessible to the service provider via, e.g., an interposednetwork such as the Internet 211 (e.g., with appropriate permissionsfrom the access node owner/operator/user). As discussed in greaterdetail elsewhere herein, the exemplary xNB nodes 214 include thecapability of communication with served nodes such as the CPE 224discussed infra for, inter alfa, low-latency and stable backhaul foruser content (e.g., upload of locally generated video data).

As described in greater detail subsequently herein with respect to FIGS.3 and 3 a, one or more MSO network controllers 210 may be utilized inconjunction with CPE-based controller logic 233 for, inter alfa,utilization of the wireless network access nodes 214 at least partly bythe MSO so as to optimize delivery of uploaded content from the targetCPE e24 to the network. As opposed to an unmanaged network, the managedservice-provider network 200 of FIG. 2 a advantageously allows, interalfa, control and management of a given user's access (such user whichmay be a network subscriber, or merely an incidental/opportunistic userof the service) via the wireless access node(s) 214, includingimposition and/or reconfiguration of various access “rules” or otherconfigurations applied to the wireless access nodes.

Moreover, the integrated service provider network architecture 200allows components at a served premises or venue of interest (e.g., gNBs,Wi-Fi APs and any supporting infrastructure such as routers, switches,etc.) to be remotely and dynamically reconfigured by the network MSO,based on e.g., prevailing operational conditions in the network, changesin user population and/or makeup of users at the venue, business models(e.g., to maximize profitability or provide other benefits such asenhanced user experience, as described infra), or even simply to enhanceuser experience using one RAT (e.g., 5G NR) when another RAT (e.g., WLANis sub-optimal for whatever reason), or vice versa. It also permitscommunication of data from the xNBs backwards towards the controller,including configuration and latency data relating to the individual xNBsfor purposes of facilitating seamless content fusion or enhancement asdescribed in greater detail below.

In certain embodiments, the service provider network 200 alsoadvantageously permits the aggregation and/or analysis of subscriber- oraccount-specific data (including inter alfa, particular CPE devices 224associated with such subscriber or accounts) as part of the provision ofservices to users under the exemplary delivery models described herein.As but one example, device-specific IDs (e.g., MAC address or the like)can be cross-correlated to MSO subscriber data maintained at e.g., thenetwork head end(s) 207 so as to permit or at least facilitate, amongother things, (i) device authentication; (ii) correlation of aspects,use cases or applications to particular subscriber geographics orinstallation features, such as for logical grouping of CPE devices oftwo or more discrete subscribers (or premises thereof) for purposes ofe.g., aggregation under a common “host” xNB, controller 210, or encodingserver 352. Moreover, device profiles for particular CPE devices can bemaintained by the MSO, such that the MSO (or its automated proxyprocesses) can model the subscriber-associated device for video,processing, and/or 5G wireless capabilities.

The xNB wireless access nodes 214 can be disposed at the servicelocation(s) (e.g., areas, premises or venue(s) of interest) or morebroadly, and can be coupled to the bearer managed network 200 (FIG. 2 a) via, e.g., a cable modem termination system (CMTS) and associatedlocal DOCSIS cable modem (CM) 212,2313, a wireless bearer medium (e.g.,an 802.16 WiMAX or millimeter wave system —not shown), a fiber-basedsystem such as FiOS or similar, a third-party medium which the managednetwork operator has access to (which may include any of the foregoing),or yet other means.

The various components of the exemplary embodiment of the network 200generally or nominally may include (i) one or more data and applicationorigination sources 202; (ii) one or more content sources 203, (iii) oneor more application distribution servers 204; (iv) one or morevideo-on-demand (VOD) servers 205, (v) client devices 206, (vi) one ormore routers 208, (vii) one or more wireless access node controllers 210(may be placed more locally as shown or in the headend or “core” portionof network), (viii) one or more cable modems 212, 213, and/or (ix) oneor more access nodes 214 (which may include for example 3GPP-compliant5G NR gNodeB functionality as described elsewhere herein). Theapplication server(s) 204, VOD servers 205 and client device(s) 206 areconnected via a bearer (e.g., HFC) network 201. A simple architecturecomprising one of each of certain components 202, 203, 204, 205, 208,210 is shown in FIG. 2 a for simplicity, although it will be recognizedthat comparable architectures with multiple origination sources,distribution servers, VOD servers, controllers, and/or client devices(as well as different network topologies) may be utilized consistentwith the present disclosure.

It is also noted that cable network architecture is typically a“tree-and-branch” structure, and hence multiple tiered xNB access nodes214 (and other components) may be linked to each other or cascaded viasuch structure. Notably, the architecture may also utilize MNO-managedxNBs (e.g., 5GNR gNBs, whether in SA (standalone) or NSA(non-standalone) architecture, for provision of the low-latency highstability uplink and related services described herein. While somevariants of the present disclosure contemplate interaction between the5G NR uplink components and the MSO overlay or combination encodingdescribed below, other variants make use of a “non-aware” or nominal 5Gor similar link; i.e., one which has the desired performance/latencyattributes, but which is not controlled by or involved directly in theMSO overlay or combination processing other than merely carrying theuser-plane upload data.

FIG. 2 b illustrates an exemplary high-level MSO network architecturefor the delivery of packetized content (e.g., encoded digital contentcarried within a packet or frame structure or protocol) that may beuseful with the various aspects of the present disclosure. In additionto on-demand and broadcast content (e.g., live video programming), thesystem of FIG. 2 b may deliver Internet data and OTT (over-the-top)services to the end users (including those of the access nodes 214) viathe Internet protocol (IP) and TCP, although other protocols andtransport mechanisms of the type well known in the digital communicationart may be substituted.

The network architecture 220 of FIG. 2 b generally includes one or moreheadends 207 in communication with at least one hub 217 via an opticalring 237. The distribution hub 217 is able to provide content to varioususer/client devices 206, and gateway devices 260 as applicable, via aninterposed network infrastructure 245. User devices such as3GPP-compliant UE 206 c (e.g., smartphones or other mobile devices) maybe in direct communication with the xNB (whether MSO or MNO managed) asshown.

Various content sources 203, 203 a are used to provide content tocontent servers 204, 205 and origin servers 221. For example, contentmay be received from a local, regional, or network content library asdiscussed in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,997,136 entitled “APPARATUS ANDMETHODS FOR PACKETIZED CONTENT DELIVERY OVER A BANDWIDTH-EFFICIENTNETWORK”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Alternatively, content may be received from linear analog or digitalfeeds, as well as third party content sources. Internet content sources203 a (such as e.g., a web server) provide Internet content to apacketized content origin server(s) 221. Other IP content may also bereceived at the origin server(s) 221, such as voice over IP (VoIP)and/or IPTV content. Content may also be received from subscriber andnon-subscriber devices (e.g., a PC or smartphone-originated user madevideo) and included on the downlink to a given CPE (as well as that CPEor an associated device originating similar content itself, as describedelsewhere herein).

The centralized media server(s) 221, 204 located in the headend 207 mayalso be replaced with or used in tandem with (e.g., as a backup) to hubmedia servers (not shown) in one alternative configuration. Bydistributing the servers to the hub stations 217, the size of the fibertransport network associated with delivering VOD services from thecentral headend media server is advantageously reduced. Multiple pathsand channels are available for content and data distribution to eachuser, assuring high system reliability and enhanced asset availability.Substantial cost benefits are derived from the reduced need for a largecontent distribution network, and the reduced storage capacityrequirements for hub servers (by virtue of the hub servers having tostore and distribute less content).

It will also be recognized that a heterogeneous or mixed server approachmay be utilized consistent with the disclosure. For example, one serverconfiguration or architecture may be used for servicing cable,satellite, etc., subscriber CPE-based session requests (e.g., from auser's DSTB or the like), while a different configuration orarchitecture may be used for servicing mobile client requests.Similarly, the content servers 221, 204 may either besingle-purpose/dedicated (e.g., where a given server is dedicated onlyto servicing certain types of requests), or alternatively multi-purpose(e.g., where a given server is capable of servicing requests fromdifferent sources).

The network architecture 220 of FIG. 2 b may further include a legacymultiplexer/encrypter/modulator (MEM; not shown). In the presentcontext, the content server 204 and packetized content server 221 may becoupled via a LAN to a headend switching device 222 such as an 802.3zGigabit Ethernet (or “10G/10GbE”) device. For downstream delivery viathe MSO infrastructure (i.e., QAMs), video and audio content ismultiplexed at the headend 207 and transmitted to the edge switch device238 (which may also comprise an 802.3z Gigabit Ethernet device) via theoptical ring 237.

In one exemplary content delivery paradigm, MPEG-based video content(e.g., MPEG-2, H.264/AVC) may be delivered to user IP-based clientdevices over the relevant physical transport (e.g., DOCSIS or otherchannels); that is as MPEG-over-IP-over-MPEG. Specifically, the higherlayer MPEG or other encoded content may be encapsulated using an IPnetwork-layer protocol, which then utilizes an MPEGpacketization/container format of the type well known in the art fordelivery over the RF channels or other transport, such as via amultiplexed transport stream (MPTS). In this fashion, a paralleldelivery mode to the normal broadcast delivery exists; e.g., in thecable paradigm, delivery of video content both over traditionaldownstream QAMs to the tuner of the user's DSTB or other receiver devicefor viewing on the television, and also as packetized IP data over theDOCSIS QAMs to the user's PC or other IP-enabled device via the user'scable modem 212 (including to end users of the xNB access node 214 andCPE 224). Delivery in such packetized modes may be unicast, multicast,or broadcast.

Delivery of the IP-encapsulated data may also occur over the non-DOCSISQAMs, such as via IPTV or similar models with QoS applied.

Individual client devices such as cable modems 212 and associatedend-user devices 206 a, 206 b of the implementation of FIG. 2 b may beconfigured to monitor the particular assigned RF channel (such as via aport or socket ID/address, or other such mechanism) for IP packetsintended for the subscriber premises/address that they serve. The IPpackets associated with Internet services are received by edge switch,and forwarded to the cable modem termination system (CMTS) 239. The CMTSexamines the packets, and forwards packets intended for the localnetwork to the edge switch. Other packets are in one variant discardedor routed to another component.

The edge switch forwards the packets receive from the CMTS to the QAMmodulator, which transmits the packets on one or more physical(QAM-modulated RF) channels to the client devices. The IP packets aretypically transmitted on RF channels that are different than the “inband” RF channels used for the broadcast video and audio programming,although this is not a requirement. As noted above, the premises devicessuch as cable modems 212 are each configured to monitor the particularassigned RF channel (such as via a port or socket ID/address, or othersuch mechanism) for IP packets intended for the subscriberpremises/address that they serve.

In one embodiment, both IP data content and IP-packetized audio/videocontent is delivered to a user via one or more universal edge QAMdevices 240. According to this embodiment, all of the content isdelivered on DOCSIS channels, which are received by a premises gateway260 or cable modem 212, and distributed to one or more respective clientdevices/UEs 206 a, 206 b, 206 c in communication therewith.

In one implementation, the CM 212 shown in FIG. 2 b services an areawhich may include a prescribed premises or venue, such as an apartmentbuilding, conference center or hospitality structure (e.g., hotel). Inparallel (or in the alternative), the premises includes one or more CPEnodes 224, and a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) node 214 b for WLAN access (e.g.,within 2.4 GHz ISM band), or a 3GPP “small cell” gNB. The CPE 224 mayalso provide connectivity for a WLAN router as shown (i.e., the CPEacting as a network interface for attached router which provideslocalized WLAN services to portions of the premises), which providese.g., Wi-Fi access for users at the premises. The CPE 224 may alsocommunicate wirelessly with non-MSO xNB devices operated by e.g., an MNOfor backhaul via that MNO's infrastructure, as shown at the top of FIG.2 b . Notably, in some configurations, the client devices 206 ccommunicating with the access nodes 214 a, 214 b, as described ingreater detail subsequently herein, can utilize either RAT (3GPP withthe xNB or WLAN). In one variant, this selective utilization may dependon, inter alfa, directives received from the MSO controller 210 (FIG. 2a ) via one access node 214 or the other, or even indigenous logic onthe client device 206 c enabling it to selectively access one RAT or theother, such as where the stringent latency and performancecharacteristics of the 5G NR RAT are not needed for a particularencoding or combination operation, or where WLAN has sufficientperformance. Feasibly, both RATs could operate in tandem, since theyutilize different frequencies, modulation techniques, interferencemitigation techniques, Tx power, etc.

In parallel with (or in place of) the foregoing delivery mechanisms, theMSO backbone 231 and other network components can be used to deliverpacketized content to the user's mobile client device 206 c via non-MSOnetworks. For example, so-called “OTT” content (whether tightly coupledor otherwise) can be ingested, stored within the MSO's networkinfrastructure, and delivered to the user's mobile device via aninterposed ISP (Internet Service Provider) network and public Internet211 (e.g., at a local coffee shop, via a Wi-Fi AP connected to thecoffee shop's ISP via a modem, with the user's IP-enabled end-userdevice 206 c utilizing an Internet browser or MSO/third-party app tostream content according to an HTTP-based approach).

5G New Radio (NR) and NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Area Network)—

NG-RAN or “NextGen RAN (Radio Area Network)” is part of the 3GPP “5G”next generation radio system. 3GPP is currently specifying Release 15NG-RAN, its components, and interactions among the involved nodesincluding so-called “gNBs” (next generation Node B's or eNBs). NG-RANwill provide very high-bandwidth, very low-latency (e.g., on the orderof 1 ms or less “round trip”) wireless communication and efficientlyutilize, depending on application, both licensed and unlicensed spectrumof the type described supra in a wide variety of deployment scenarios,including indoor “spot” use, urban “macro” (large cell) coverage, ruralcoverage, use in vehicles, and “smart” grids and structures. NG-RAN willalso integrate with 4G/4.5G systems and infrastructure, and moreover newLTE entities are used (e.g., an “evolved” LTE eNB or “eLTE eNB” whichsupports connectivity to both the EPC (Evolved Packet Core) and the NR“NGC” (Next Generation Core).

In some aspects, exemplary Release 15 NG-RAN leverages technology andfunctions of extant LTE/LTE-A technologies (colloquially referred to as4G or 4.5G), as bases for further functional development andcapabilities. For instance, in an LTE-based network, upon startup, aneNB (base station) establishes S1-AP connections towards the MME(mobility management entity) whose commands the eNB is expected toexecute. An eNB can be responsible for multiple cells (in other words,multiple Tracking Area Codes corresponding to E-UTRAN Cell GlobalIdentifiers). The procedure used by the eNB to establish theaforementioned S1-AP connection, together with the activation of cellsthat the eNB supports, is referred to as the S1 SETUP procedure; seeinter alfa, 3GPP TS 36.413 V14.4. entitled “3rd Generation PartnershipProject; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; EvolvedUniversal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN); S1 ApplicationProtocol (S1AP) (Release 14)” dated September 2017, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As a brief aside, and referring to FIG. 2 c , the CU 204 (also known asgNB-CU) is a logical node within the NR architecture 270 thatcommunicates with the NG Core 273, and includes gNB functions such astransfer of user data, session management, mobility control, RANsharing, and positioning; however, other functions are allocatedexclusively to the DU(s) 276 (also known as gNB-DUs) per various “split”options described subsequently herein in greater detail. The CU 274communicates user data and controls the operation of the DU(s) 276, viacorresponding front-haul (Fs) user plane and control plane interfaces278, 280.

Accordingly, to implement the Fs interfaces 278, 280, the (standardized)F1 interface is employed. It provides a mechanism for interconnecting agNB-CU 3204 and a gNB-DU 276 of a gNB 214 within an NG-RAN, or forinterconnecting a gNB-CU and a gNB-DU of an en-gNB within an E-UTRAN.The F1 Application Protocol (F1AP) supports the functions of F1interface by signaling procedures defined in 3GPP TS 38.473.

Within such an architecture 270, a gNB-DU 276 (or ngeNB-DU) is under thecontrol of a single gNB-CU 274. When a gNB-DU is initiated (includingpower-up), it executes the F1 SETUP procedure (which is generallymodeled after the above-referenced S1 SETUP procedures of LTE) to informthe controlling gNB-CU of, inter alfa, any number of parameters such ase.g., the number of cells (together with the identity of each particularcell) in the F1 SETUP REQUEST message.

Co-owned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/216,835filed Dec. 11, 2018 and entitled “Apparatus and Methods for IntegratedHigh-Capacity Data and Wireless Network Services”, incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety, describes exemplary network architecturesthat can be used in accordance with the present disclosure. For example,in one embodiment, a network architecture having service delivery overat least portions of extant infrastructure (e.g., a hybrid fiber coaxinfrastructure) is disclosed, which includes standards-compliantultra-low latency and high data rate services (e.g., 5G NR services) viaa common service provider. However, it will be recognized by those ofordinary skill that other approaches and architectures may besubstituted.

Exemplary Enriched Content/Video Streams (EVS) DistributionArchitecture—

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 3 a, an exemplary embodiment of a contentdistribution architecture 350 adapted for enriching or combining contentelements according to the present disclosure is described in detail.

It is noted that the apparatus, systems and methods described below areuseful in providing storage and access to user-initiated content, aswell as in providing storage and access to MSO-initiated content,whether provided individually or in combination (e.g., via thesynchronization process(es) described herein). Storage and access ofMSO-initiated content according to the present disclosure enables, interalfa, a high degree of QoE, redundancy, and security. It further enablesa user to access content simultaneous to the content's broadcast, and tostart the program over from the beginning after it has begun without theuser having previously recorded the content (e.g., “start-over”functionality).

FIG. 3 shows a typical prior art encoding and delivery architecture 300.As shown, this architecture 300 generally comprises one or more contentdistribution systems 302 that is/are in data communication with one ormore client devices (or premises, such as households or enterprises)206.

The client devices 206 may include DSTBs, home gateway devices and/ormedia client devices.

As shown, the architecture 300 of FIG. 3 also includes at least onecontent source 304 providing content to the CDN 302. Various third partyand/or internal (i.e., MSO owned or operated) content sources 304 mayprovide content to the CDN 302. For example, content may be receivedfrom a local, regional, or network content library. Alternatively,content may be received from linear analog or digital feeds, as well asvarious third party content sources.

In some cases, one or more encoder processes 303 encodes a source filefrom the content source(s) 304 into at least one encoding format (e.g.,transcodes a source file from one format to at least one other format).The variety of encodings may be utilized by the CDN cache (and thepackager) via adaptive bitrate (ABR) streaming.

As a brief aside, digital encoding utilizes one or more forms of videocompression in order to economize on storage space and transmissionbandwidth. Without such video compression, digital video content canrequire extremely large amounts of data storage capacity, making itdifficult or even impossible for the digital video content to beefficiently stored, transmitted, or viewed.

Consequently, video coding standards have been developed to standardizethe various video coding methods so that the compressed digital videocontent is rendered in formats that a majority of video decoders canrecognize. For example, the Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) andInternational Telecommunication Union (ITU-T) have developed videocoding standards that are in wide use. Examples of these standardsinclude the MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, ITU-T H.261, and ITU-T H.263standards. The MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) standard (also knownas MPEG-4, Part 10) is a newer standard jointly developed by theInternational Organization for Standardization (ISO) and ITU-T. TheMPEG-4 AVC standard is published as ITU-T H.264 and ISO/IEC 14496-10.For purposes of clarity, MPEG-4 AVC is referred to herein as H.264.

As noted above, content often arrives from content sources at a contentdistribution network (CDN) in a digitally encoded format, such asMPEG-2. The MPEG-2 standard is ubiquitous and specifies, inter alfa,methodologies for video and audio data compression and encoding.Specifically, in accordance with the MPEG-2 standard, video data iscompressed based on a sequence of GOPs, made up of three types ofpicture frames: coded picture frames (“I-frames”), forward predictiveframes (“P-frames”) and bilinear frames (“B-frames”). Each GOP may, forexample, begin with an I-frame which is obtained by spatiallycompressing a complete picture using discrete cosine transform (DCT). Asa result, if an error or a channel switch occurs, it is possible toresume correct decoding at the next I-frame. The GOP may representadditional frames by providing a much smaller block of digital data thatindicates how small portions of the I-frame, referred to as macroblocks,move over time.

MPEG-2 achieves its compression by assuming that only small portions ofan image change over time, making the representation of these additionalframes compact. Although GOPs have no relationship between themselves,the frames within a GOP have a specific relationship which builds offthe initial I-frame.

In a traditional content delivery scheme (e.g., for a cable network),the compressed video and audio data are carried by continuous elementarystreams, respectively, which are broken into access units or packets,resulting in packetized elementary streams (PESs). These packets areidentified by headers that contain time stamps for synchronizing, andare used to form MPEG-2 transport streams, which utilize MPEG-2 encodedvideo content as their payload.

However, despite its ubiquity, MPEG-2 has salient limitations,especially relating to transmission bandwidth and storage. The morerecently developed H.264 video coding standard is able to compress videomuch more efficiently than earlier video coding standards, includingMPEG-2. H.264 is also known as MPEG-4 Part 10 and Advanced Video Coding(AVC). H.264 exhibits a combination of new techniques and increaseddegrees of freedom in using existing techniques. Among the newtechniques defined in H.264 are 4×4 discrete cosine transform (DCT),multi-frame prediction, context adaptive variable length coding (CAVLC),SI/SP frames, and context-adaptive binary arithmetic coding (CABAC). Theincreased degrees of freedom come about by allowing multiple referenceframes for prediction and greater macroblock flexibility. These featuresadd to the coding efficiency (at the cost of increased encoding anddecoding complexity in terms of logic, memory, and number ofoperations). Notably, the same content encoded within H.264 can betransmitted with only roughly half (50%) of the requisite bandwidth of acorresponding MPEG-2 encoding, thereby providing great economies interms of CDN infrastructure and content storage.

Digital encoding also advantageously lends itself to transcoding ofcontent. As used herein, the term “transcoding” refers generally to theprocess of changing content from one encoding to another. This may beaccomplished for example by decoding the encoded content, and thenre-encoding this into the target format. Transcoding can also accomplishthe encoding of content to a lower bitrate without changing videoformats, a process that is known as transrating.

Transcoding is used in many areas of content adaptation; however, it iscommonly employed in the area of mobile devices such as smartphones,tablets, and the like. In such mobile applications, transcoding isessential due to the diversity of mobile devices. This diversityeffectively requires an intermediate state of content adaptation, so asto ensure that the source content will adequately present or “render” onthe target mobile device.

Delivery of encoded content may also utilize a technology known as“adaptive bitrate streaming.” Adaptive bitrate (ABR) streaming is atechnique to distribute program content over a large distributed networkin an efficient manner based on, inter alia, available streamingcapacity. In one implementation, multiple bitrates of a particular pieceof content are available to stream to a viewer, and the selection of thebitrate is based on current network conditions. This means that whenthere is greater bandwidth availability, a larger bitrate version of thecontent may be selected. If available bandwidth narrows, a lower bitrate(i.e., smaller) version of the content may be selected to provide aseamless user experience. Typical ABR streaming solutions include e.g.,DASH (dynamic adaptive streaming over HTTP), Microsoft Smooth Streaming,and Adobe HTTP Dynamic Streaming, which are further particularly adaptedfor HTTP-based environments such as Internet delivery. ABR streamingprotocols are typically codec-agnostic (e.g., may use content encoded ine.g., H.264, MPEG-2, or others), and are notably distinguishable fromsuch underlying encoding.

Existing DOCSIS Operation—

As a brief aside, a brief examination of existing DOCSIS operations maybe helpful in understanding of various aspects of the presentdisclosure. Existing DOCSIS operation is provided with theaforementioned Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) which is connectedto the broader Internet. The CMTS includes a number of servers which runthe Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) protocol, a Trivial FileTransfer Protocol (TFTP), and a Time of Day (TOD) server. The CMTScommunicates with each subscriber's cable modem via the HFC network(which includes miles of coaxial cable, fiber optics, amplifiers, etc.).The CMTS provides a synchronization broadcast (“sync”), Uplink ChannelDescriptor (UCD), and Media Access Protocol (MAP) messages. Both the UCDand sync broadcasts are periodically transmitted.

To establish a physical connection, a cable modem searches for andidentifies the sync broadcast to determine its time alignment, decodesthe current UCD to determine, inter alfa, an appropriate uplinkfrequency, symbol rate, modulation profile, etc. Once a cable modem hasachieved time synchronization and decoded the uplink parameters, itperforms a ranging process by transmitting range requests (RANGE_REQ).If the CMTS responds to a RANGE_REQ with a range response (RANGE_RSP),then the cable modem and CMTS can transition to a station maintenancestate and perform additional detailed connection maintenance. If theCMTS does not provide a RANGE_RSP, the cable modem will increase itstransmit power and attempt access again.

Once an active connection is available, the cable modem can perform IPlayer initialization procedures. The population of cable modems timeshare the uplink frequency(ies) according to a TDMA (time divisionmultiple access) scheme, thus before transmitting, each cable modem mustrequest an allocation of transmit bandwidth from the CMTS bytransmitting a bandwidth request (REQUEST). The CMTS prioritizesrequests within an internal queue, and allocates resources with theaforementioned MAP message which includes, inter alfa, an allocatedtransmit time slot for the cable modem. After the cable modem has beenallocated a transmit time slot, it attempts to locate a DHCP serverwhich can provide an IP address and other network information (e.g.,gateway addresses, network addresses, etc.) which are required forregistration. Specifically, the cable modem will request and receive atime of day message from the TOD server, and a configuration file fromthe TFTP server.

After the IP layer initialization procedure, the cable modem mustregister with the CMTS. The registration process ensures that the cablemodem has the proper configuration file and timing to operate with theexisting network. If the registration process is successful, the cablemodem is provided with a Service Identifier (SID), and is transitionedinto an “online” state.

During online operation, the cable modem and CMTS perform medium accesscontrol (MAC) based on the SID. The IP layer operates transparently overthe SID based MAC communication. For example, when a cable modem hasdata for transmission, it transmits a REQUEST to the CMTS. As previouslyalluded to, the CMTS prioritizes each REQUEST and allocates a number oftime slots for each SID (each SID corresponds to a cable mode). Theseallocations are broadcast via MAP messages, which identify an applicableSID, the assigned time slot(s), and the number of bytes. Additionally,the CMTS periodically provides an Interval Usage Code (IUC) within theUCD which identifies a series of so called “burst-profiles”. Each burstprofile identifies an appropriate modulation scheme (e.g., QPSK, 16-QAM,64-QAM, etc.) for a type of traffic. For example, IP traffic can be setto 64-QAM which provides high data rates, whereas VOIP traffic can beset to 16-QAM which provides more robust but lower data rates.

In a typical coaxial cable system (e.g., HFC), downlink bandwidth ismuch higher than uplink bandwidth. Specifically, cable modem orDOCSIS-compliant systems utilize DOCSIS QAMs (RF channels) for enhancedupstream bandwidth capability such as for Internet services, but suchtechnologies are significantly limited in capability, and moreover havelimited flexibility in the allocation of downstream versus upstreambandwidth, especially dynamically. For example (as discussed supra), atypical uplink speed is about 5 Mbps while the downlink speed can be upto 100 Mbps. The uplink latency can be in the range of 20-50 ms.

Hence, utilization of DOC SIS channels for uplink of data may encountersignificant degrees of unpredictability and latency which make its usein the context of highly synchronized encodings unsuitable. Similarly,downlink of data via e.g., DOC SIS may also encounter some degree oflatency, but this is generally more predictable in nature. For instance,DL traffic scheduling is performed by the CMTS directly, unlike the ULcase where the client's cable modem needs to negotiate with the CMTS forUL bandwidth (e.g., send a REQUEST to the CMTS first, then wait for the“grant” from CMTS). As such, these negotiations may be unpredictable interms of, inter alfa, their temporal aspects and hence latencyassociated with UL transmission of data.

Referring now to FIG. 3 a , an exemplary embodiment of an enrichedcontent/video streams (EVS) distribution architecture 350 according tothe present disclosure is described in detail. Similar to thearchitecture 300 of FIG. 3 , the architecture 350 of FIG. 3 a caninclude content distribution systems or CDN 302, one or more encodingprocesses 303, and content source(s) 304.

As a brief aside, in contrast to the comparatively high degree oflatency and instability which may be encountered on certain extantuplink technologies such as DOCSIS (discussed above), 5G NR technologyhas both ultra-low latency requirements (i.e., 1 ms or less round-tripbetween endpoint nodes) on UL and DL, and much greater inherentstability. However, with respect to overlaying networking programming orlive event with user content uploaded using 5G, infrastructure-inducedlatency associated with the networking programming or live event beingcombined with the user upload must be accounted for. Accordingly, inorder for a server to synchronize two different media streams—e.g., (i)network programming received over traditional coaxial infrastructure(e.g., “in band” and DOCSIS (and OOB) transport), and (ii) personalcontent (e.g., user-generated content) received over an IP connectionusing 5G NR—such that the different content is overlaid at the correcttime sequence, the present disclosure provides a solution to overcomeinter alfa, the uplink bandwidth and latency issue with respect to DOCSIS.

Referring again to FIG. 3 a , in one exemplary embodiment of theimproved architecture, the content source(s) 304 include a video sourcewhich provides video content to the CDN 302. The video content may bereceived from linear analog or digital feeds, as well as various thirdparty content sources; for example, the content can include live feeds,third party customized background scenes, and the like.

As noted above, content can undergo one or more encoding processes 303before it arrives at a content distribution network (CDN) 302 from thecontent source(s) 304. For example, the content may arrive at CDN 302 ina digitally encoded format, such as MPEG-4. The MPEG-4 standard isubiquitous and specifies, inter alfa, methodologies for video and audiodata compression and encoding, and is able to compress video much moreefficiently than earlier video coding standards, including MPEG-2.

The present disclosure contemplates a served premises (e.g., household,enterprise, venue, or person(s)) having two or more client devicesassociated therewith or users thereof, and therefore may have access totwo or more independent communications paths to the content beingdistributed (e.g., see the architectures of FIGS. 2 a and 2 b discussedabove). As but one example, in the exemplary configuration of thearchitecture 350 of FIG. 3 a , a user may have access to CPE 206 a(e.g., a DSTB, home gateway devices and/or media client devices, such asSmart TV or the like), which may have wired or wireless connection(e.g., connected to a HFC/DOCSIS cable modem via a wirelesscommunications network such as a wireless LAN (e.g., Wi-Fi)).Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3 a , a user may have access to clientdevice 206 b, which in various embodiments, includes a 5G-capable mediacapture device 206 b (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, or the like) whichinterfaces with a 5G service provider network (such as architecture ofFIGS. 2 a and 2 b ).

In some embodiments, the 5G network can be in data communication withthe Internet (or directly to the distribution network 202. That is, thearchitecture 350 of FIG. 3 a may deliver Internet data and OTT(over-the-top) services to the end users via the Internet protocol (IP)and TCP (i.e., over the 5G radio bearer), as well as receive uploadcontent from end users via the Internet protocol (IP) and TCP (i.e.,over the 5G radio bearer). However, other protocols and transportmechanisms of the type well known in the digital communication art maybe substituted.

Additionally, the exemplary configuration of the architecture 350includes an overlay encoding server (OES) apparatus 352. The overlayencoding server 352 is configured to receive both (i) network content(e.g., VOD, broadcast, live, etc.) from the CDN 302, and (ii) usercontent from subscriber and/or non-subscriber devices 206 b (e.g., a PCor smartphone-originated user made video which is uploaded, such as toan Internet or MSO-operated social media portal, utilizing 5G NR). Theoverlay encoding server 352 is further configured to create a compositecontent stream including both the user content uploaded from the clientdevice 206 b and the network content received from CDN 302. When thetime references of user content and the network content are synchronizedin the composite content stream, the synchronized composite contentstream is herein referred to as an “enriched video stream” (EVS). Itwill be appreciated that while a two-element EVS is described in thevarious exemplary embodiments (for sake of simplicity), the presentdisclosure contemplates EVS comprising three or more discrete orseparately sourced content elements (e.g., Network Content+User 1 uploadcontent . . . +User n upload content, or Network Content 1+NetworkContent 2+User upload content 1).

It will also be appreciated that the various constituent components ofthe EVS may be temporally intermixed, such as where during a firstperiod, the constituent components include a different “mix” than duringa second period, and so forth. For example, it may be germane to haveUser 1's uploaded content combined with the network sourced contentduring a first portion or logical segment thereof (e.g., an act, scene,event, etc.), while that of User 2 is more relevant to another portion.

As user-generated content is to be combined with other programming(e.g., one or more other channels), in some embodiments, routinginformation may be provided to the OES 352. The routing information mayspecify the source of the programming content to be combined. In somevariants, the routing information may be an IP address of the HFCnetwork entity (e.g., a content server), however it is furtherappreciated that routing information may require significant amounts ofnetwork address translation (for e.g., security reasons, the CPEgenerally would not have access to the address of a CDN or originserver, etc.).

Additionally, the OES 352 utilizes control signaling to synchronize thecomposite stream. For example, in various embodiments, the overlayencoding server 352 can create an unsynchronized composite contentstream—i.e., the time reference between the network sourced content andthe user content is not synchronized—and transmit the unsynchronizedcomposite content stream components to the rendering device e.g., STB/TV206 b. The rendering device 206 b or user thereof (depending on thevarious manual or automated variants described subsequently herein) canthen determine the delay between the network sourced content and theuser content, and provide signaling information (via for instance thecontrol signaling-A channel 356 shown in FIG. 3 a ) to the OES 352.

In one exemplary embodiment, the protocol used to signal the timesynchronization delay to the OES 352 over control signaling-A channel356 in FIG. 3 a includes that described in IETF RFC 3611 (“RTP ControlProtocol (RTCP) Extended Report (XR)—Blocks for Synchronization Delayand Offset Metrics Reporting”), which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety, although it will be recognized that otherprotocols (and transports) may be used for such signaling. For example,as disclosed in RFC 3611, RTP multimedia sessions or one RTP session canbe an arbitrary number of media streams, and each media stream (e.g.,audio stream or video stream) is sent in a separate RTP stream. For oneRTP session, each media stream/medium uses a different SSRC. The RTCPCNAME contained in the RTCP Source Description (SDES) packets [seeRFC3550] is used to correlate the various streams. As such, thesynchronization offset of e.g., two arbitrary RTP streams that are to besynchronized within a multimedia session can be specified andtransmitted to desired entities.

Moreover, RFC 3611 also describes that data about the relative averagetime difference between two arbitrary RTP streams (the reporting streamand the reference stream) with the same CNAME may be recorded, and thereceiver of the RTP stream can use this data. Mechanisms by which offsetof the reporting stream relative to the reference stream are alsodescribed (e.g., the block for the reference stream with synchronizationoffset of zero can be reported).

Utilizing the signaling information, the OES 352 can adjust the timingdiscrepancy between the respective frames of the network-sourced contentand the user content (either by temporally advancing or delayingrespective frames) to synchronize the frames and create the EVS.Moreover, in various implementations, the OES 352 can transmit the EVSto the content distribution system 302 (e.g., via a transport or medium359, which may include for instance a PCIe, 10 GbE, millimeter wave, orother interface between the systems, depending on configuration andlocation of each) for other viewers to consume (e.g., via social mediasuch as YouTube, Twitch, etc.), or to the requesting user (via any oneof client devices 206) for reviewing the EVS.

As shown in FIG. 3 a , the exemplary client 206 a also includes acontrol signaling channel 358 between the client and the CDN 302 for,inter alia, control of content distribution functions to the client 206a. For example, in one scenario, extant channels and protocols used forother purposes such as VOD/StartOver functionality, tuner data exchange,EPG acquisition or other can be concurrently used or repurposed tosupport the above-described functions.

Referring back to FIG. 2 c , communication with the CPE 206 supplyingthe upload may be established via e.g., the MSO infrastructure (e.g.,in-band or DOCSIS or WLAN channels), such that for example controlsignaling (e.g., control plane data and commands) can be passed to thatCPE, which in some implementations, enable rapid 5G NR sessionestablishment and teardown between the CPE and its associated gNB. Insuch implementations, the content distribution network (CDN) 202 mayalso send control data to the gNB CU (see FIG. 2 c ) or other edge noderesponsible for establishing a session between the uploading CPE and thegNB. Hence, the CDN may be used to instigate the overlay encodingsession establishment (including getting the uploading CPE to connect tothe 5G gNB if not already in such connected state (e.g., RRC Connected),in effect acting as the master of the content fusion/combinationprocess.

Methods—

Referring now to FIG. 4 , one exemplary embodiment of a method 400 forsynchronizing two or more different content streams in accordance withthe present disclosure is provided. Although the steps of method 400 areat least substantially performed by the overlay encoding server (OES)(corresponding to reference numeral 352 in FIG. 3 a ), in practicalembodiments, some of these steps (or sub-steps within each step) may beimplemented in parallel, on different hardware platforms or softwareenvironments, performed iteratively, deleted, and so forth.

In the first step 402 of the method 400, network-sourced content isreceived. In some embodiments, the network content is received at theOES 352 from the CDN 302. As alluded to above, method 400 is at leastsubstantially directed to operation of the OES. However, as shown inFIG. 3 a , both the client device 206 a (e.g., a TV set-top box (STB))and the OES 352 are configured to receive the network content. The CPE206 a can render and display the network content for a user to watch.Additionally, the CPE 206 a may receive control signaling which enablesit to receive the network content from the CDN 302, for example, bytuning to the certain RF QAM indicted by the control signaling.

In various embodiments, the network programming can include broadcastvideo and audio programming, a live program delivered by the broadcasttelevision network, Video on Demand (VOD) content, DVR, linearbroadcasts, start-over content, IPTV content, third party customizedbackground scenes, gaming content, etc.

At step 404, the user content is received. In one exemplary embodiment,the user content is uploaded to the OES 352 from the client device(e.g., client device 206 b in FIG. 3A). In various implementations, theuser content may be received from subscriber and/or non-subscriberdevices. In some embodiments, the client device 206 b may be a videocapture device (e.g., a smartphone with a camera), such that the userrecords content thereby. For example, a PC or smartphone-originated usermade video may be uploaded to the OES 352, in some variants, via anInternet or MSO-operated social media portal.

As previously described, the present disclosure in one embodimentleverages 5G NR for uploading the user content in order to provide astable bit pipe with expected (predictable) available bandwidth andlatency. Accordingly, the client device may be a 5G-enabled clientdevice that establishes a wireless Internet-Protocol (IP) connection tothe OES 352 using a 3GPP 5G NR backhaul. However, other protocols andtransport mechanisms with suitable performance (e.g., low/predictablelatency and bandwidth availability) may be substituted.

At step 406, a composite content stream including both the user contentand the network content is generated. In some embodiments, the OES 352generates the composite content stream by injecting the user contentinto the packetized stream carrying the network content. In somevariants, the user content may be super-imposed or overlaid over thenetwork content. For example, the user content may be disposed within aPIP (picture-in-picture) window within the network content. Multiplecontent elements can also be “stacked” in windows overlaid onto oneanother, including in one variant utilizing display element controlschemes such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,213,538 to Ladd, etal. issued Dec. 15, 2015 and entitled “Methods and apparatus for displayelement management in an information network,” which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

In other variants, the user content and the network content can beconfigured in the composite stream to be displayed side-by-side ortop-over-bottom or other such composite. In yet other variants, framesof the user content may be marked for insertion into the network-sourcedcontent, such as via interleaving. Additionally, it is noted that, atthis phase, the time reference between the network-sourced content andthe user content is not temporally synchronized, and as such, in oneembodiment, there is a simple overlay of one content element or streamonto the other.

In one particular exemplary embodiment, the OES 352 generates thecomposite stream by multiplexing two different unicast streams. Forexample, the OES 352 may receive two single program transport streams(SPTSs) including the network content and the user content respectively.The network and user content is then switched into delivery on availableQAM dedicated to the multicast delivery of IP packetized content anddelivered via a multi-program transport stream (MPTS). A gateway entityin data commination with the CPE 206 a joins the multicast and receivesthe MPTS, the contents of which are processed and delivered to the CPE206 a.

At step 408, the composite content stream with the unsynchronizednetwork and user content is transmitted to the client device. In variousexemplary embodiments, the composite stream is transmitted to therendering device (e.g., TV/STB) 206 a to be displayed to the user. Theuser can then watch the composite video stream on TV/STB 206 a, and usethe control signaling-A (see FIG. 3 a ) on the video capturing device206 b to indicate to the OES 352 whether to advance or delay the usercontent with respect to the network content in order to create theenriched video stream (EVS) with proper time framing for both videostreams.

As discussed in further detail in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the synchronizationaccording to various embodiments can be performed based on a manualadjustment process or an automated process (referred to as“time-synchronization based automation”). According to the manualadjustment process, in some variants, the TV/STB 206 a can receive thecomposite stream and display both the network and user content (e.g.,side by side). The display provides a visual cue to the user who canindicate the delay factor (i.e., the time factor to forward or delay theuser content frame(s)) to the OES 352. The user can relay this delayfactor to the OES 352 by transmitting signaling information (via controlsignaling-A 356 as shown in FIG. 3 a ) to the OES 352. The signalinformation indicates this delay factor (e.g., + or −) value as multipleof frame or time units (e.g., each time unit can be 1/30^(th) second forvideo with 30 fps). The OES 325 then uses this delay factor to adjustthe user content frame sent by video capturing device 206 b with thenetwork content to create the EVS.

Alternatively, according to the time-synchronization based automationmethod, in some variants, before the OES 352 combines the user contentfrom video capturing device 206 b with the network content, the OES 352will first perform a delay estimation. The delay estimation includes theOES 352 first sending an audio or other test tone or pattern to theTV/STB 206 a. This can be accomplished in one approach with differentfrequency tones in sequence with time references (e.g., 1 khz for 1second, then 3 khz for 2 seconds, and a reset tone of 500 hz for 1second). The video capturing device 206 b then captures these audio/testtones from the TV/STB 206 a, and sends them to the OES 352. This createsa feedback loop for the OES to estimate the delay factor between (i) thetime that user sees the video of the network content and (ii) the timethe user content reaches the OES352.

It will be appreciated that the video capturing or other device used toperform the audio/test tone or pattern capture can also be configured togenerate the estimation of loop delay (or partial loop delay).Specifically, in one configuration contemplated herein, the datarelating to the audio/test tone or pattern can be sent “raw” to the OES(or a proxy thereof designated to perform the delay determination), suchthat the OES or the proxy can perform the determination itself, such asvia timestamped values based on a synchronized reference clock sourcesuch as SI time or other. The time stamps may be applied for example bythe receiving video capture or other user device. However, as analternative, the capture or user device may itself perform thedetermination, such as based on temporal information gleaned from thetransmission of the signal downstream to the CPE, and the SI or othertemporal reference, and merely send the determined delay value to theOES as processed (versus raw) data. In either configuration, any delayor unpredictability associated with the upstream (video/audio capturedevice to OES) signaling channel can be eliminated, since the upstreamvideo/audio content (contrast signaling) data is transported via aknown, low-latency and highly predictable bearer (for instance 3GPP 5GNR link). As such, the delay data or estimate is based on the (i)network to CPE, and (ii) CPE to capture/user device, delays, and not thecontrol signaling channel delay.

It will also be appreciated that other types of test patterns may beused consistent with the various aspects of the present disclosure,including for estimation of loop (or partial loop) delay. For example,an optical mechanism such as a QR code or radio frequency signal (e.g.,a short range NFC-based signal which can be detected by a user'ssmartphone when placed proximate to the transmitter, the latter whichmay for instance be a dongle or card or module which is in datacommunication with the CPE).

After the delay estimation procedure is performed, the OES 352 then usesthis delay factor to compose or combine the user contents with networkcontent (e.g., POV) to create the EVS. The test tone can be disabled orturned-off after the delay estimation procedure is completed.

Accordingly, regardless of which of the foregoing processes are used(i.e., the manual adjustment process or the time-synchronization basedautomation process), the control signaling-A (see FIG. 3 a ) is receivedat the OES 352 (per step 410). The OES 352 then generates the EVS (i.e.,a composite stream where the time reference between the network and usercontent is synchronized) according to the delay factor indicated bycontrol signaling (per step 412). In some implementations, the EVS isgenerated by adjusting the frame(s) of the user content and/or thenetwork content. In other implementations, the EVS is generated byre-generating a new composite stream. For example, the EVS can multiplexthe different streams respectively carrying the network content and usercontent.

In one particular exemplary embodiment, the composite content stream maybe generated (per step 406 above) from a source file, which the OES 352may utilize to adjust and synchronize the frames. More pointedly, eachstream (e.g., the stream carrying the network content, the streamcarrying the uploaded user content, and the generated composite stream)comprises a stream of key frames (e.g., I-frames) at a certain temporaldistance (e.g., 2 seconds or 10 seconds) apart. Key frames may be placedin any number of temporal distances from 0 (i.e., every frame is a keyframe), to a single key frames and all delta frames per stream. Agreater number of key frames allows the video stream to be segmented ina greater number of places (however, the amount of compression availablemay be limited where the number of key frames used is higher, butprocessing of the video frame would correspondingly be less because thefull image does not have to be generated from predictive delta frames asfrequently). Each of the plurality of streams may include the key framesat different resolutions or encodings or may have different data in theportions between key frames. The different data may include descriptivemetadata of the content, or demographics/psychographic profiles ofexpected users, or information regarding how the data within the streamis formatted. With respect to the EVS, the OES 352 may modify the sourcefile to modify the time references associated with the key frames suchthat they are synchronized according to the delay factor.

At step 414, the OES 352 can transmit the EVS to one or more entities.In one exemplary embodiment, the OES 352 can send the EVS to contentdistribution system 302 for other viewers to consume (e.g., via socialmedia such as YouTube, Twitch, etc.). In another embodiment, the overlayencoding server can send the EVS to a client device 206 (e.g., 206 aand/or 206 b in FIG. 3 a , or other) in order for the user to reviewand/or edit the EVS.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , one exemplary embodiment of a method 500 forsynchronizing two different content streams via a manual adjustmentprocess 520 in accordance with the present disclosure is provided.Although the steps of method 500 are at least substantially performed bya client device (e.g., TV/STB 206 a in FIG. 3 a ), in practicalembodiments, some of these steps (or sub-steps within each step) may beimplemented in parallel, on different hardware platforms or softwareenvironments, performed iteratively, deleted, and so forth.

At step 502, the network content is received. In various embodiments,the network-sourced content is received by the TV/STB 206 a over HFCutilizing DOC SIS. The control signaling received (per step 504) mayallow the client device to tune to a certain channel or content source,such as where the user wants to insert or inject his or her own content(e.g., locally generated content).

At step 506, the network-sourced content is displayed. In some exemplaryembodiments, a user may watch the network content on TV/STB 206 a andgenerate user content on another client device 206 b (such as asmartphone), and upload that user content to the OES 352 using 5G NRservices. The use of 5G/NG-RAN for upload video feeds provides a stablebit pipe with expected bandwidth and latency as previously noted. TheOES 352 receives the network content from the CDN 302 and is configuredto combine the network and user content (uploaded via use of 5G) into acomposite stream. Accordingly, as the network content is received overHFC, and the user content is uploaded via use of 5G, the network contentwill likely be delayed in the composite stream generated by the OES.

At step 508, the unsynchronized composite stream is received. That is,the composite stream with both the network and user content that are notsynchronized is received at the TV STB 206 a from the OES 352.

According to the manual adjustment method, the TV/STB 206 a can displayboth the network content (e.g., POC) and the user content (e.g., side byside), per step 510. This provides a visual cue (per step 512) to theuser, who can indicate the delay factor (i.e., the time factor toforward or delay the user content frame) to the overlay encoding serverby providing signaling information. The signaling information is sent(via control signaling-A 356 in FIG. 3 a ) to the OES 352, and indicatesthis delay factor (e.g., + or −) value as multiple of frame or timeunits (e.g., each time unit can be 1/30^(th) second for video with 30fps). The OES 352 then uses this delay factor to adjust the user contentframe sent by video capturing device 206 b with the network content tocreate the EVS.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , one exemplary embodiment of a method 600 forsynchronizing two different content streams via time-synchronizationbased automation in accordance with the present disclosure is provided.

Method 600 starts at step 602 at which the network-sourced content isreceived. In various embodiments, the network content is received at theOES 352 from the CDN 302.

At step 604, the user content is received. In various embodiments, theuser content is uploaded to the OES 352 via an IP session establishedusing a 5G NR connection. The use of 5G/NG-RAN for upload video feedsagain provides a stable bit pipe with expected bandwidth and latency.

According to the time-sync based automation process 620, before the OES352 combines the content uploaded from client device 206 b with thenetwork content, the OES 352 will first perform a delay estimation. Inone exemplary embodiment, the delay estimation includes the OES 352first sending an audio or test tone to the TV/STB 206 a, per step 606 ofthe type previously described. The client device 206 b then capturesthese audio/test tones from the other client device 206 a and sends itto OES 352 (e.g., via control signaling-A 356 as shown in FIG. 3 a ).The OES 352 then receives the test tones (e.g., via control signaling-Aas shown in FIG. 3 a ) per step 608. This creates a feedback loop forthe OES 352 to estimate the delay factor between the time that user seesthe network video on TV/STB 206 a and the time the user content reachesthe OES 352.

After the delay estimation procedure is performed, the OES 352 then usesthis delay factor to composite the user content with the network contentto create the EVS (i.e., a composite stream where the time referencebetween the network content and user content is synchronized), per step610. The test tone can be turned-off after the delay estimationprocedure is completed.

It will be noted that in the exemplary embodiment, the use of the 5G NRbearer for delivery of content to the encoding server enables a degreeof certainty at least with regard to delivery of the user-sourced orother enhancement content in that the extremely low maximum latency“guarantee” associated with the 5G NR bearer effectively sets a tightwindow for purposes of total delay estimation and/or synchronization.Specifically, by knowing that the maximum bearer-induced temporallatency is on the order of 1.0 ms, that “leg” of the process will ineffect always be within 1 ms, whether the actual latency experienced inany given scenario is near zero, or at 1.0 ms. Stated differently, themost that this leg of the delivery process can be off by (plus or minus)is 1.0 ms, which is effectively insignificant from a user temporalsynchronization perspective. The other portions of the overlay encodingprocess which are being characterized by virtue of the control/signalingprocesses described elsewhere herein (e.g., audio-based delayestimation) will constitute the far greater portion of any temporalmismatch or error component(s).

Exemplary Overlay Encoding Server (OES) Apparatus

Referring now to FIG. 7 , an exemplary embodiment of an overlay encodingserver (OES) apparatus 352 is illustrated. As shown, the OES 352generally comprises a network interface 702 for communication with thecontent delivery network (CDN), 302, and various backend interfaces 712for communication to other entities including for example the 5G NRinfrastructure (e.g., 5GC, AMF, or other relevant components/processes),supervisory processes such as local UI/operating terminals, LANs/MANs,etc. Communications with for distributing the EVS externally may alsooccur via the CDN network interface and/or one of the backendinterfaces, depending on configuration, QoS, or bandwidth requirements,etc.

In one exemplary embodiment, the OES 352 is configured to communicatevia the aforementioned interfaces 302, 712 and interposed infrastructurewith the CPE (e.g., TV/STB) 206 a, the 5G-enabled client device 206 b,and CDN 302 entities. In particular, the OES 352 requests content from aheadend or edge cache entity (e.g., content server) for processingthereof in order to incorporate/combine the uploaded content into acomposite stream (e.g., SPTS) for transmission to the CPE (e.g., TV/STB)206 a.

In some exemplary embodiments, the various backend interfaces 712 enablethe OES to communicate with the MSO backbone and Internet and the 5Gcore 273, the latter in order to receive the user content uploaded fromclient device 206 b via an IP session established over a 5G NRconnection.

The OES further comprises a processor 704 and associated memory and massstorage 708. As shown, the processor 704 is configured to run at leastan EVS application 706 and an operational/business rules engine 707 fromprogram memory.

The EVS application 706 enables the combination of the user content withthe network programming (and in some variants, other user content, aswell as enables presentation of the composite content stream. Forexample, the EVS application 706 can generate and provide presentationinformation; generally, the presentation information dictates how thecombined content is to be presented to e.g., another subscriber or setof subscribers, to the user, to advertisement engines, etc. In onevariant the OES combines user generated data with other programming forpresentation to another entity (such as another subscriber's CPE). Inother variants, the OES 352 combines the user generated data with otheruser generated data to further improve targeted programming (e.g.,improving targeted advertisements). Is still other variants, the OESdirectly provides the user generated data to other users.

Consider for example, a personalized channel. A user requests (orschedules ahead of time) a personalized channel. The CMTS grants the OES352 an appropriate fixed time slot allocation to support an audio, andvideo stream based on the device information (e.g., MAC information).Thereafter, the OES routes the EVS channel according to the routinginformation via a BSA server or other content distribution mechanism fordelivery to other subscribers. Finally, the BSA or other server providesthe personal channel to any subscribers according to the presentationinformation.

Further, in some embodiments, the EVS application 706 enables the OES todetermine time references associated with the respective content, add orremove content to/from a stream (e.g., multicast), cause content to beforwarded or delayed, and otherwise monitor network conditions andrequests for content. The aforementioned determination of timereferences may occur via receipt of control signaling, evaluation ofrequests received from the client devices 206, pre-stored operatordetermined rules, evaluation of network conditions, etc. The EVSapplication 706 is configured to create and/or dynamically update adatabase 710, which contains content or data representative thereof thatis received/uploaded.

In one embodiment, the EVS application or engine 706 determines theaudio signal sent to the CPE (e.g., TV/STB) 206 a by identifying timereferences and determining frequency tones in sequence with the timereferences (e.g., 1 khz for 1 second then 3 khz for 2 seconds and areset tone of 500 hz for 1 second), as previously described. After theseaudio/test tones are sent to the CPE (e.g., TV/STB), and the clientdevice 206 b captures these test tones and sends it to OES 352, the EVSengine 706 and/or EVS application can estimate the delay factor betweenthe time that the user sees the network content on CPE (e.g., TV/STB)206 a and the time the uploaded content reaches the OES. Othermechanisms for determining the delay factor may be used as well.

As shown, the database 710 may be stored at the mass storage 708 of theOES 352; alternatively the database may be located remote to yet incommunication with the OES (e.g., virtual/cloud storage). Additionally,although illustrated as an individual applications 706 running on theserver 352, it is appreciated that the foregoing functionalities maycomprise an individual application, or alternatively one or moredistributed applications running on a plurality of entities in datacommunication with one another (including one or more network entities);e.g., the network may be configured with a first server for a firstapplication/function, a different server for a secondapplication/function, and so forth.

The operational/business rules engine 707 in various embodiments enablesthe OES 352 to define rules for, e.g., (i) determining how tosynchronize content, (ii) determining which content can be “synchronizedwith” (i.e., what is eligible or accessible to that particular CPE orsubscription account for combination with user upload data, or moregenerally what themes, genres, etc. are eligible (such as where “firstrun” or HPoV content is not eligible, but other types of content are, orwhere particularly sensitive, restricted or controversial content is noteligible); (iii) user privileges in conjunction with the EVS, based one.g., subscription plan or tier, and yet others.

In one particular implementation, various ones of the applicationsdisclosed herein are disposed at one or more headend entities (see e.g.,FIGS. 2 a-2 b ). A servlet application may also be provided tofacilitate communication between the various applications and one ormore client applications resident on the user's premises system. Theservlet, in one embodiment, acts as a proxy for communication between aclient device and various media applications also located at or incommunication with the headend. Users associated with the device mayaccess the media features and applications using client softwareapplications running on the client device. The client devices 206 andOES 352 communicate via the HFC network or other bearer medium (such asvia an out-of-band upstream RF channel, an upstream DOCSIS channel, anupstream enhanced media application channel, or a separate transportsuch as a wireless or other IP network (not shown) which, in somevariants, is established using 5G NR). In this manner, a user at his/herpremises or client device, may access and interact with various ones ofthe applications in an integrated fashion.

In another implementation, individual ones of the applications are incommunication with an Internet host server in order to obtain datatherefrom, such as via a gateway device located at e.g., the headend ofthe network. In other words, the gateway device requests and receivesInternet data and/or content from the host servers on behalf of theapplication(s). The data and/or content is then processed as requiredand, via the servlet, delivered to one or more client devices. Forexample, the content may be de-encapsulated from a first containerformat, and re-encapsulated into a second format for delivery to theclient device. The content may also optionally be transcoded and/ortransrated if desired.

Exemplary CPE

Referring now to FIG. 8 , one exemplary embodiment of the CPE 206 isillustrated. In various embodiments, CPE 206 corresponds to clientdevice 206 a in FIG. 3 a . Exemplary incarnations of the CPE includesettop boxes (e.g., DSTBs), television sets (e.g., Smart TVs), laptopand desktop computers, personal media devices (PMDs), gateways, etc. Asshown, the CPE 206 comprises an HFC network interface 802, processor804, mass storage 812, memory, and backend interfaces 810.

The network interface 802 in one embodiment may comprise an RFtuner/modem (discussed below), or a cable modem, such as e.g., a DOCSIS3.0 compliant cable modem of the type discussed in “DOCSIS® 3.0Management Features Differences Technical Report”CM-TR-MGMTv3.0-DIFF-V01-071228 and “DOCSIS 3.0 OSSI ConfigurationManagement Technical Report” CM-TR-OSSIv3.0-CM-V01-080926, each of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The cable modem canprovides DOCSIS connectivity to the CPE to be used for networkcommunication (such as communication with the OES 352), as well asvarious other purposes (such as VOD, Internet “surfing,” interactiveprogram guide (IPG) operation, etc.).

The network interface 802 of the CPE 206 a further comprises one or moreQAM tuners configured to receive content from the HFC network 101. TheRF tuner(s) may comprise traditional video RF tuner(s) adapted toreceive video signals over, e.g., a QAM. For example, the RF tuner(s)may comprise one or more tuners, a demodulator, decryption module, anddemultiplexer of the type well known in the art, although otherconfigurations may be used. The number and type of QAM tuners utilizedin the CPE 800, as noted above, may be varied so as to ensure tuningacross the entire available spectrum. Alternatively, different classesof devices may be provided each class having a different tuning rangecapability.

For example, the CPE 206 a may include a wide band tuner, such as thatdiscussed in previously referenced co-owned, co-pending U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 20060130113 entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUSFOR WIDEBAND DISTRIBUTION OF CONTENT” and filed Dec. 14, 2010. Thewideband tuner arrangement enables the CPE to receive content associatedwith one or more program streams distributed across two or more QAMs.Additionally, the RF tuner(s) may incorporate functionality to modulate,encrypt/multiplex as required, and transmit digital information forreceipt by upstream entities such as the CMTS. The tuners mayadditionally be capable of tuning across the entire band of QAM channelssuch as those developed by e.g., Texas Instruments and Broadcom.

The CPE can assume literally any discrete form factor, including thoseadapted for desktop, hand-held, or wall-mounted use, or alternativelymay be integrated in whole or part (e.g., on a common functional basis)with other devices (such as the 5G-enabled client device 206 b) ifdesired. Additionally, the CPE 206 a may include other elements andinterfaces such as for example an interface for the HomePlug A/Vstandard which transmits digital data over power lines, Wi-Ficapability, a PAN (e.g., 802.15, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or othershort-range wireless interface for localized data communication), HDMIinterface, etc.

The CPE processor 804 is configured to run a processing application 806and an OES application 808 thereon from program memory. The processingapplication 806 and OES application 808 enable the CPE to perform theprocessing, display the received content (as discussed above withrespect to steps 506 and 510 of FIG. 5 ). In one variant processing mayinclude de-encapsulating the received Internet content from a firstmedia file container format and subsequently re-encapsulating theInternet content to a second media file container format, transcription,translation, and/or transcoding. In one exemplary embodiment, content isconverted from multicast to unicast via network address translation bythe processing application 806.

Additionally, although illustrated as an individual applications 806,808 running on the CPE, it is appreciated that the foregoingfunctionalities may comprise an individual application, or alternativelyone or more distributed applications running on a plurality of entitiesin data communication with one another (including one or more networkentities); e.g., the CPE may be configured with a first server (e.g.,VOD server) for a first application/function, a different server (e.g.,OES) for a second application/function, and so forth.

It will be appreciated that the various applications 806, 808 may alsobe configured to position data further toward the edge of the network(including even at the user's CPE or mobile device) so as to facilitatethe various functions thereof. For example, information regarding auser's contacts/friends, activities, playlists, etc. may be disposed onthe user CPE 206 a, including their mobile device 206 b (e.g.,smartphone or tablet). This approach provides at least two benefits,including: (i) pushing further processing necessary to support theapplications out to the edge of the network (or even onto the userdevice), so as to minimize core network bandwidth/resource consumption;and (ii) in the case of mobile devices, useful data pertaining to agiven user is available regardless of where/how the user associates withthe host network; e.g., at a Wi-Fi hotspot that is not associated withthe user's premises, for example. Once the user has associated with thehotspot, they can log into the managed network (e.g., cable or satellitenetwork) as a subscriber or user, and accordingly obtain access to theservices provided by the network infrastructure while in effect being“away from home”.

Various options may be utilized to protect content as it is transmittedto the CPE 206 a. In one embodiment, the OES 352 is configured to rotatea common key for a multicast. Alternatively, this may be provided ate.g., the CDN 302. Signals transmitted to the CPE 206 a which includekey updates are flagged (such as by a TS header). Receipt of these flagsat the CPE triggers the CPE to pull the corresponding key from a keyserver via an authenticated HTTPS. The CPE 206 a can then transcriptcontent from multicast to unicast (as discussed above) via the key. Inaddition, the CPE may store client/session specific keys for use duringplayback.

In another variant, the CPE can be configured to use one tuner andassociated digital processing chain to receive and encapsulate a firststream destined for one multicast address, while using a second tuner toreceive an already IP-encapsulated stream, such as via a normal DOCSISQAM or the like. Hence, the CPE can act as a hybrid “switched”IPTV/non-switched IP device for multiple CPE in the premises.

The CPE 206 a may process received content automatically into variousalternative encapsulation formats or, may encapsulate as needed to theformat of the specific requesting device. The processed content may alsobe stored at the CPE or other data storage (whether at the premises ornetwork) such as the mass storage device/DVR 812 for future use fortransmission to other client devices requesting the same content in theparticular new format.

Exemplary 5G-Enabled User Device

An exemplary 5G-capable user device 206 b useful with the presentdisclosure is illustrated in FIG. 9 . The 5G-capable client device maycomprise any device capable of receiving/transmitting andencoding/decoding IP packetized content via use of 5G NR services,whether for display thereon, or for recording, display, or storage on adevice in communication therewith. Exemplary devices include laptop anddesktop computers, cellular smartphones, personal media devices(PMD),and other mobile devices, although other types of devices (fixed,IoT, etc.) may be substituted.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the 5G-enabled client device generally includese.g., a network interface 902, a processor 904 and associated storage908, and a plurality of various back end interfaces 910 forcommunication with other devices, such as WLAN, BLE, Ethernet, HDMI, andUSB/micro-USB or USB OTG.

In the illustrated configuration, the 5G network interface 902 enablescommunication between the 5G-enabled client device 206 b and the 5G RAN.In one embodiment, the 5G-enabled client device includes a 3GPP5GNR-capable user equipment (UE) chipset 912. The UE chipset 912 isconfigured to receive digital I/Q synchronization signal(s) for 5G,enabling downstream and upstream modes of the respective TDD carriers.The 5G interface may also be used in one implementation to support thesignaling interface between the client device 206 b and the overlayencoder 352, such as via an embedded 5G or IoT (e.g., NB-IoT or eMMC)channel provided for in the 5G Release 15 and subsequent specifications.

In various embodiments, the processor 904 may be configured to load andrun a media player 907, such as an HTMLS video player, in order to playthe received/captured content. The media player 907 in one embodiment iscompatible with the aforementioned WebSocket protocol, however asindicated throughout the present disclosure WebSocket compatibility isnot required as the present disclosure provides a protocol agnosticmechanism for providing IP packetized content. DRM and/or ConditionalAccess (CA) functionalities may also be implemented and supported at themedia player 907.

The processor 904 also runs a client application 906 for requesting,capturing, sending, and/or displaying content. The client application906 may be in data communication with camera 914 in order to capturemedia, as well as the microphone/audio module 913 to capture test tones.The client application 906 can also be configured to upload content andsend control signaling (e.g., control signaling-A 356 as shown in FIG. 3a ) to the overlay encoding server 352.

In yet another embodiment, the 5G-enabled client device furthercomprises a SSD, flash memory (e.g., NAND or NOR flash) or hard drive incommunication therewith or integrated therein which may act as a digitalvideo recorder (not shown).

Exemplary Use Cases

In various embodiments, the network architecture 350 of FIG. 3 a can beutilized for enabling direct user interaction with content. The directinteraction includes interaction (including manipulation) with contentby a single user. Various exemplary implementations of or models fordirect interaction according to the invention are discussed hereinbelow.

As disclosed above, various embodiments of exemplary methods forsynchronizing two different media stream is illustrated in FIGS. 4-5 .As shown, the method 500 of FIG. 5 includes the steps of displayingnetwork content to the user (step 506). This enables the user to adduser content therein (step 406 of FIG. 4 ), and subsequently enablingthe user to publish their EVS for access by other users (step 414 ofFIG. 4 ). The particular manipulation performed by the OES 352 mayinclude for example enabling a user to, e.g., directly interact withcontent, as well as create a personal channel for (a)selling/auctioning, (b) broadcasting, (c) commentary, and (d)exercise/workout. In addition, each may be performed by leveragingpremises bandwidth to a consumer device at a consumer premises, as wellas wireless/5G capabilities on portable devices.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned personal channel may be a virtualchannel of the type discussed in previously referenced co-owned,co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/414,554 filed on Mar. 30,2009 entitled “Personal Media Channel Apparatus and Methods”, and issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 11,076,189 on Jul. 27, 2021, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety. As discussed therein, asubstantially user-friendly mechanism for viewing content compiled fromvarious sources, including, inter alia, DVR, broadcast, VOD, Start Over,etc., and particularly that content selected to align with a user'spreferences, is displayed as a substantially continuous stream as partof a “virtual” user-based channel. The “virtual channel” acts as acentralized interface for the user and their content selections andpreferences, as if the content relevant to a given user were in factstreamed over one program channel. In another aspect, clientapplications (e.g., those disposed on a subscriber's client devices 206a, 206 b and/or network servers such as the OES 352) are utilized tocompile the playlist based on user-imputed as well as pre-programmeduser profiles. Various feedback mechanisms may also be utilized toenable the client application to “learn” from the user's activities inorder to update the user profile and generate more finely-tuned andcogent recommendations. Client applications may also be utilized tomanage the seamless presentation of content on the virtual channel, andlocate/flag various scenes inside selected content for user viewing orediting or insertion into other streams or playlists. The OES providesthe personal channel to any subscribers.

a. Selling/Auctioning

In one embodiment, the network architectures, apparatus, and methodsdisclosed herein may be used to enable a user to create a sales channelcomposed of e.g., currently broadcast content, recorded content, web orother network-based content, and/or user-generated content (i.e., thatgenerated indigenously by the user, such as via their webcam or portablevideo camera or smartphone), etc. For example, the network content(e.g., network-sourced content) sent via the downlink can be an ocean orlandscape or sky scene, and the user may merge their items for sale withthe network content to create more dynamic content.

b. Broadcasting

In another embodiment, the user may further manipulate content bycreating a broadcast channel with network-sourced such as tourist areaslike Bangkok or Hong Kong (wherever it fits the user's publishingangles), to accompany any content the user chooses. For example, thenetwork content (e.g., network-sourced content) sent via the downlinkcan be an scene at a popular night-life area at Lan Kwai Fong in HongKong, and the user may merge their opinions or suggestions of whichestablishments in that area are well rated to create more lively viewingand better ratings.

c. User Commentary

In yet another embodiment, the user may further create a runningcommentary to accompany any content the user chooses. For example, theuser may play the role of an active viewer to network content by chimingin with jokes, information, etc. during a content playback. The creatormay in some instances be a celebrity (such as an actor, director, etc.of the program) or may gain notoriety via the commentary. Real-timecommentator type of broadcasting is also very popular for gamers (e.g.,Twitch) to allow audiences to participate the actions being played bygamers. See e.g., co-owned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/619,951 filed Sep. 14, 2012 and entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODSFOR PROVIDING ENHANCED OR INTERACTIVE FEATURES,” which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety, which discloses exemplary methodsand apparatus for utilization of enhancement content or data consistentwith the present disclosure.

With the high bandwidth availability in the upstream(premises-to-network) via an IP connection using 5G NR, and downstream(network-to-premises) directions via, e.g., in-band channel or DOCSISQAM, the communications between the OES 352 and the client devices 206are effectively real time, and allow for substantially latency-freeoperation.

d. Exercise/Workout

In yet another embodiment, the aforementioned synchronization processesmay be further utilized to enable webcam/video feed to be uploaded fromone or more client devices for generation of a personal trainingexercise session. For example, a subscriber may tune to a broadcastexercise “episode”, upload webcam or other video data to the OES 352,and receive in return a modified video feed (EVS) of the episode and thesubscriber's webcam feed, as well as a webcam feed from othersubscribers also tuned to the “episode” (such as in a PIP, thumbnails,or other minimally-invasive overlay).

In one variant, a personal trainer performs the exercises, and thesubscribers follow along. Through the use of the subscriber webcam/videofeeds uploaded to the network and provided to the trainer's video feed,the trainer (or other people having access to the feed(s)) can motivatethe subscriber, tell them what they're doing wrong, etc. One or moreclient applications 806, 808, 906 may enable the user at e.g., a userinterface, to manipulate a display of the modified video feed (i.e., theepisode and subscriber webcam feeds) so as to enlarge, shrink, move,etc. various ones of the feeds.

In one variant, the costs associated with the training sessions may bespread across a plurality of users or “friends”, so that each receives adiscount over what he/she would pay for an individual session. Theso-called friends may be physically located in the same space, orelectronically linked in a single session as discussed above. Theseusers may have no relation or correlation with one another (e.g., may bejust random users desiring to engage in the session), or may have apre-existing relationship, the latter which may be used to identify themin the first place, identify other complementary offers or items ofinterest, select targeted advertising, etc.

d. “On-the-fly” Advertising

In yet another scenario, temporally and/or contextually relevantadvertising can be generated and merged or combined with “primary”content, so as to create a living advertisement of sorts. For instance,a given primary content stream or element may have a prescribed theme,product placement, or other attribute which an advertiser (or networkoperator or other entity) wishes to leverage in real time. As such, inone variant, the user device (e.g., the video/audio capture device 206b) is utilized by an entity affiliated with the advertiser (or itsproxy) to generate secondary content that can be temporally synchronizedwith the primary content to generate the composite stream. For example,consider a movie or program which prominently features a particularbrand of car in its plotline; the manufacturer or dealer of that car canarrange for a “live” advertisement feed from say the dealership or atest track, synchronizing the video/audio to the primary content (e.g.,a scene in the movie where the car is featured).

It will be recognized that while certain aspects of the disclosure aredescribed in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, thesedescriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of thedisclosure, and may be modified as required by the particularapplication. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional undercertain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality maybe added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance oftwo or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to beencompassed within the disclosure disclosed and claimed herein.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointedout novel features of the disclosure as applied to various embodiments,it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Thisdescription is in no way meant to be limiting, but rather should betaken as illustrative of the general principles of the disclosure. Thescope of the disclosure should be determined with reference to theclaims.

It will be further appreciated that while certain steps and aspects ofthe various methods and apparatus described herein may be performed by ahuman being, the disclosed aspects and individual methods and apparatusare generally computerized/computer-implemented. Computerized apparatusand methods are necessary to fully implement these aspects for anynumber of reasons including, without limitation, commercial viability,practicality, and even feasibility (i.e., certain steps/processes simplycannot be performed by a human being in any viable fashion).

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-readable apparatus comprising anon-transitory storage medium, the non-transitory storage mediumcomprising a plurality of computer-executable instructions configuredto, when executed by a processor apparatus of a computerized networkapparatus, cause the computerized network apparatus to at least:receive, at the computerized network apparatus, and based at least onfirst control signal data, a first type of content via at least aportion of a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) content distribution network;receive, at the computerized network apparatus, a second type of contentgenerated by a client device and transmitted upstream to thecomputerized network apparatus via at least a 3GPP (Third GenerationPartnership Project) 5G NR (Fifth Generation New Radio) radio accesstechnology operating according to a prescribed maximum latency; based atleast on second control signal data received via the 3GPP 5G NR radioaccess technology and at the computerized network apparatus, generatesynchronized combined content using at least the received first andsecond types of content, wherein the prescribed maximum latency of the3GPP 5G NR radio access technology is (i) necessary to support at leastone temporal synchronization used for the generation of the synchronizedcombined content, and (ii) eliminates at least a portion of acalculation used for the at least one temporal synchronization andrelating to a delay associated with the second control signal data; andprovide the synchronized combined content to a premises device.
 2. Thecomputer-readable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least onetemporal synchronization used for the generation of the synchronizedcombined content comprises a temporal adjustment of one or more framesassociated with one or more of (i) the first type of content or (ii) thesecond type of content, the adjustment based at least on the secondcontrol signal data.
 3. The computer-readable apparatus of claim 1,wherein: the first type of content comprises network-sourced contentobtained via at least one content source, the at least content sourceassociated with at least one of (i) a content library, or (ii) athird-party content source other than the client device; and the secondtype of content comprises user-generated content, the user-generatedcontent generated at the client device.
 4. The computer-readableapparatus of claim 1, wherein: the client device comprises amedia-capture device capable of data communication via the 3GPP 5G NRradio access technology; and the computerized network apparatuscomprises a server apparatus associated with the HFC contentdistribution network.
 5. The computer-readable apparatus of claim 1,wherein the plurality of computer-executable instructions are furtherconfigured to, when executed by the processor apparatus, cause thecomputerized network apparatus to at least: transmit a first test signalto the premises device; receive data relating to the first test signalfrom the client device, the client device configured to receive datarelating to the first test signal from the premises device subsequent tothe transmission of the first test signal; and based on the receipt ofthe data relating to the first test signal, estimate a delay factor;wherein the at least one temporal synchronization used for thegeneration of the synchronized combined content is further based on thedelay factor.
 6. The computer-readable apparatus of claim 5, wherein thedelay factor comprises an indication of a temporal relationship betweenthe first type of content and the second type of content, the indicationof the temporal relationship configured to indicate whether totemporally advance or delay one or more frames associated with thesecond type of content with respect to one or more frames associatedwith the first type of content within the synchronized combined content.7. A method of generating synchronized digital content data for usewithin a digital content distribution network, the method comprising:obtaining first digital content data via at least a portion of a hybridfiber coaxial (HFC) network infrastructure of the digital contentdistribution network; obtaining, at a computerized network apparatus andfrom a first computerized client device associated with the digitalcontent distribution network, second digital content data via anupstream communication using 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project)5G NR (Fifth Generation New Radio) radio access technology having aprescribed maximum latency associated therewith; based at least on firstcontrol signaling received via the 3GPP 5G NR radio access technology,generating the synchronized digital content data based at least in parton (i) the first digital content data and (ii) the second digitalcontent data, wherein the prescribed maximum latency of the 3GPP 5G NRradio access technology in the obtaining of the second digital contentdata via the upstream communication eliminates at least a portion of alatency associated with the generating synchronized digital content databased on at least the first digital content data obtained via at leastthe portion of the HFC network infrastructure; and transmitting thesynchronized digital content data to a second computerized client deviceassociated with the digital content distribution network.
 8. The methodof claim 7, wherein the generating of the synchronized digital contentdata comprises multiplexing at least a portion of the first digitalcontent data and at least a portion of the second digital content datainto a multi-program transport stream (MPTS).
 9. The method of claim 7,wherein the generating of the synchronized digital content datacomprises generating composite content data having at least a portion ofthe first digital content data and at least a portion of the seconddigital content data configured to be rendered simultaneously, thesimultaneous rendering comprising one of (i) an overlay at least portionof at least one frame of the at least portion of the first digitalcontent data over at least a portion of at least one frame of the atleast portion of the second digital content data, (ii) side-by-sidepresentation of the at least one frame of the at least portion of thefirst digital content data and the at least one frame of the at leastportion of the second digital content data, or (iii) an interleave ofone or more frames of the at least portion of the first digital contentdata with one or more frames of the at least portion of the seconddigital content data.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein: the obtainingof the first digital content data via at least the portion of the HFCnetwork infrastructure comprises receiving the first digital contentdata responsive to second control signaling, the second controlsignaling performed with at least one first computerized networkapparatus associated with the digital content distribution network, theat least one first computerized network apparatus configured to receivedigital content data from a plurality of content sources other than thefirst computerized client device; and the second control signaling isdistinct from the first control signaling, the first control signalingperformed with at least one second computerized network apparatusassociated with the digital content distribution network, the at leastone second computerized network apparatus configured to receive digitalcontent data from one or more of (i) the at least one first computerizednetwork apparatus, or (ii) the first computerized client device.
 11. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the generating of the synchronized digitalcontent data is based at least on data relating to a delay factor, thedelay factor correlated to an amount of time between receipt of thefirst digital content data at the second computerized client device andthe obtaining of the second digital content data at the computerizednetwork apparatus.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the generating ofthe synchronized digital content data comprises automatically adjustingat least one temporal aspect of at least one of the first or seconddigital content data based on the delay factor, the adjusting causingsynchronization of the first and second digital content data.
 13. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the second computerized client devicecomprises consumer premises equipment, the consumer premises equipmentcomprising at least one of (i) a digital content rendering device, or(ii) a digital set-top box.
 14. A computerized network apparatusdisposed within a digital content distribution network, the computerizednetwork apparatus comprising: a first data interface configured toperform data communication with a first client device; a second datainterface configured to perform data communication with a second clientdevice; processor apparatus configured for data communication with thefirst and second data interfaces; and a non-transitory computer-readableapparatus comprising a storage medium, the storage medium comprising aplurality of instructions configured to, when executed by the processorapparatus, cause the computerized network apparatus to at least: receivenetwork-sourced digital content data from the digital contentdistribution network via the first data interface and over hybrid fibercoaxial (HFC) network infrastructure managed by a first networkmanagement entity; receive user-generated digital content data from thesecond client device via the second data interface and utilization of 5GNR (Fifth Generation New Radio)-compliant radio access technology inorder to utilize a specified temporal latency performance level thereof;generate a composite digital content data stream based at least onsynchronization of the network-sourced digital content data and theuser-generated digital content data, wherein the specified temporallatency performance level eliminates a need to determine at least onevariable used in a computation for the synchronization of thenetwork-sourced digital content data and the user-generated digitalcontent data; and provide the generated composite digital content datastream to the first client device associated with the digital contentdistribution network.
 15. The computerized network apparatus of claim14, wherein, at least portions of the 5G NR-compliant radio accesstechnology is also managed by the first network management entity. 16.The computerized network apparatus of claim 14, wherein: the firstclient device associated with the digital content distribution networkcomprises a consumer or user premises device configured to (i) performdata communication with the computerized network apparatus via the HFCnetwork infrastructure and (ii) render the generated composite digitalcontent data stream to a user; and the second client device comprises amobile client device configured to perform data communication with thecomputerized network apparatus via use of the 5G NR-compliant radioaccess technology.
 17. The computerized network apparatus of claim 16,wherein the plurality of instructions are further configured to, whenexecuted by the processor apparatus, cause the computerized networkapparatus to perform at least a synchronization operation based oncontrol signal data received from the second client device, the controlsignal data indicating an amount of delay between (i) one or frames ofthe first digital content data and (ii) one or frames of the seconddigital content data.
 18. The computerized network apparatus of claim17, wherein the plurality of instructions are further configured to,when executed by the processor apparatus, cause the computerized networkapparatus to estimate the amount of delay based at least on (i) testdata transmitted to the first client device, and (ii) informationrelating to the test data, the information received from the secondclient device, the information enabling a feedback loop associated withthe computerized network apparatus, the first client device, and thesecond client device.
 19. The computer-readable apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first control signal data comprises data indicative of oneor more points in the first type of content where the second type ofcontent is to be inserted.
 20. The method of claim 7, further comprisingreceiving the first control signaling via the 3GPP 5G NR radio accesstechnology and use of a real-time transport control protocol (RTCP). 21.The computerized network apparatus of claim 14, wherein thesynchronization of the network-sourced digital content data and theuser-generated digital content data comprises an automated process.